Be Sure to Check Out Daily Competitions, Shows, Arts & Crafts, Agriculture Exhibits, and Freedom Hall Vendors

Jeff Walker,  Entertainment Writer 

During its 11 day run the Coastal Carolina Fair is truly a spectacle. And with all its glitz and glamour including the array on neon lights that light up the sky after sunset, there's no small wonder the majority of visitors to the fair come for one of two reasons, and they are the rides and the food.

While most of the food and ride vendors come from out of state, and welcome returning to the Exchange Park in Ladson each and every year, there's plenty to check out at the fair involving greater Charleston locals. The Creative Arts & Crafts Building to the left of the main gate displays the creativity of area students, as well as the fine art from adults.

Throughout the fair's run there are Chili Cookoffs and Honey Competitions, including a King Arthur Baking Contest. The Americana 250 Band Organ provides entertainment daily at the fair, with Magician TJ Hill, Universal Championship Wrestling, and a Cowboy Circus each entertaining crowds multiple times of the day on the Gazebo Lawn.

The Parkway Stage between the main gate and gate 2 offers up live entertainment including performances from local dance, theater, and gymnastics teams. Of course the Lakefront Stage comes alive at night around 8pm with concerts from national, regional, and local artists.

For those who enjoy seeing animals up close and gain a better understanding of the farming community might want to meander through the agricultural building located beyond gate 2 past the Kiddie Land ride section. Farmers including livestock and food producers are the backbone of America, and it's important to let young kids see where it all comes from.

Often one of the most overlooked buildings inside the fair is Freedom Hall, the home to dozens of commercial vendors, making you aware of their services. Whether it's future travel, a new roof, flooring, home repair, cellphone services, cutlery, pots & pans, scented candles, gourmet local popcorn, chiropractic adjustments, patriotic t-shirts, or unique one of kind arts & crafts souvenirs, Freedom Hall provides a plethora of varied services and merchandise.

Inside Freedom Hall you can talk to travel advisor Crystal Lovelady owner of Cruise Planners who would be happy to help arrange your next cruise. The reps at Powell Roofing can school advise you on how their company is one of the area's most respected in the roofing industry.

Trinket Wickline the GM with Born United is delighted to showcase the company's line of patriotic-themed clothing. Be sure to check out Scentsy, a purveyor of electric, wickless warming decorative ceramic or glass devices. Great for rooms in your home.

Carlton Custom Homes will be more than happy to chat with you about any upcoming home improvement projects, and Lisa at the Leaf Filter booth can explain the benefits of protecting or replacing older or ineffective gutters around your house.

These a few of the service providers under Freedom Hall. But be sure to stop by and see David, a representative for Family Home Christian Books. He and his wife welcome the opportunity to share their passion for 'books you can trust' related to faith, nature, health, and Bible stories, all from God's glory.

Truly there are many reasons to come out and enjoy the Coastal Carolina Fair. It's fun for kids of all ages. Although the rides, the games, and the food usually attract the most attention, there's more going on at the fair if you pay close attention. The 2026 fair runs through Sunday Nov 8th. For more visit https://coastalcarolinafair.org/fair-home/