The Coastal Carolina Fair

There probably isn't a more striking dichotomy relating to the different perspective on life in the "dirty south" versus life "up there" than the contrast you will discover while examining the upcoming Coastal Carolina Fair to be held at Exchange Park Fairground in Ladson, South Carolina during the last week of October and first week of November. Where I come from you hope for warm and sunny weather during fair or festival week. On the other hand, when I talk to Lowcountry residents about "the fair" nearly every person says that what they really hope for is crisp and cool weather, maybe even cloudy and overcast days. The kind of weather that a native of West Virginia might consider sweater weather, but to the Charleston, South Carolina natives it's time to pull out the winter jackets, stylish wool caps and matching scarves and gloves. After all, here in The Land of Palm Trees, 56 degrees feels cold. But it's true, if you stop by the 55th Annual Coastal Carolina Fair next week you will surely see lots of cold weather gear and thousands, make that tens of thousands of smiling faces.

The Coastal Carolina Fair has been held at the Ladson location of Exchange Park since 1979. The fairgrounds occupy 165 acres along Highway 78, and is built around a series of small lakes lined with palm trees giving the fair a truly "coastal flair." Like most fairs, there is an abundance of food, entertainment, carnival rides and traffic. Throughout the 10 days of the fair, over a quarter million patrons will enjoy the festivities.

The Lakefront Stage will feature quite a diverse lineup of internationally known stars this year with names like Marty Stuart, Crystal Bowersox, Easton Corbin and John Michael Montgomery. And admission to the Lakefront Stage show is included in your admission price. Seating at the Lakefront Stage offers a tremendous vantage point to view the nightly fireworks as well.

Maybe you aren't really looking for musical entertainment, there are two other stages at the CCF providing entertainment ranging from Dancing Bears to trained Seals to hypnotists. If you are a fan of carnival cuisine the CCF offers a smorgasbord of tastes like fried turkey legs or a deep fried Snickers Bar. With dozens of food vendors, you will surely find something to tantalize your taste buds. If thrill rides are more your speed, the midway at CCF features 65 rides, including a great selection of gentle rides geared toward the youngsters in your group.

As you can see by clicking on the video below, the Coastal Carolina Fair is a great way to spend a late afternoon and evening in The Land of Palm Trees. Hopefully you will have a chance to visit the fair this year.