The Coastal Carolina Fair 2014-A 58 Year Old Tradition

Some notable events of 1957:
- Dwight D. Eisenhower was president and the 1st to fly in a helicopter.
- The Frisbee is renamed and nationally marketed.
- Velcro was patented by George de Mestral of Switzerland.
- 61st Boston Marathon won by John J Kelley of Connecticut in 2:20:05
- Music Man, starring Robert Preston, opens on Broadway.
- Elvis Presley emerges as one of the world's first rock star.
- Leave it to Beaver premiers on CBS.
- Leonard Bernstein's West Side Story debuts on Broadway.
- "I Love Lucy," last airs on CBS-TV.
- "American Bandstand" premieres.
- Italian composer Gian Carlo Menotti comes to Charleston at the instigation of Countess Alicia Paolozzi who owns a home in the city, and begins negotiations to make Charleston the American site of Menotti's Festival of Two Worlds, later called the Spoleto Festival.
- the first Coastal Carolina Fair.

This years Coastal Carolina Fair starts October 30, 2014 and runs to November 9, 2014. Here are some photos and highlights from the 2013 fair:

I made the mistake of going to the Coastal Carolina Fair on Monday...in my sandals. It was somewhat nippy on the toes after the sun made its exit, but despite my imprudent choice, I muddled through the evening warmed up by the colorful display of fair lights reflecting off the lake and the soulful country ballads of Pam Tillis and Lorrie Morgan.

I wouldn't of had it any other way. Sundown is when the fair takes on a personality of its own. The shadows are darker, the lights more dazzling, the sounds more raucous, and the smells more decadent. And, it was surprisingly crowded for a Monday night, at least from my perspective.

There was the usual plenty of the three reasons why people go to the fair - food, rides, and entertainment. Sorry beer lovers, one thing there won't be plenty of is beer. It is a nonalcoholic fair, but you don't need beer to have fun. This is a family-oriented event.

The lines moved swiftly and I didn't have to wait too long for anything. Oh, except when I ordered my "fish" gyro for $7, which was advertised as "new", and required a wait. Apparently not a popular choice among fair enthusiasts. The vendor had to get it out of the freezer and cook it up.

After it was sizzled in boiling oil, the vendor informed me, "It's good fish," which caused me to reflect on his words. Was he honestly convinced it was good fish or was he convincingly setting me up for disappointment? I have to say it was surprisingly not-fishy and paired with lettuce and tomato smothered in the house sauce wrapped in pita. Believe it or not, I have never eaten a regular gyro. When it comes to food, I do not venture into the unknown like an Anthony Bordain and eating fair food to me is like competing in a Survivor food challenge.

Here are just a few of the depraved oddities: fried bacon-wrapped pickles, Krispy Kreme sloppy Joes, deep-fried bubble gum, fried shrimp and grits, chicken-fried meatloaf, grilled doughnuts-on-a-stick, corn dogs, kebabs, elephant ears and the most popular food item at the Coastal Carolina Fair, turkey legs, but I am not revealing any new revelations here and the reoccurring word in this assortment is fried, fried, fried. I did see one vendor that sold vegetable dishes. There are three new fried delicacies. I will let you discover what they are for yourself- happy hunting.

 

Confession - before heading over to the Lakefront Stage to see Pam Tillis and Lorrie Morgan, I wickedly indulged in a dish of pumpkin-spice funnel cakes - $7. Enjoy the pictures, they speak a thousand words. Photos by Keri Whitaker.

You can expect much of the same and more at the 2014 Coastal Carolina Fair. This years entertainment list for the week is as follows:

Thursday October 30th - Eddie Money - 7:30 pm
Friday October 31st - Danielle Bradbery - 8:00 pm
Saturday November 1st - Big SMO - 8:00 pm
Sunday November 2nd - Swon Brothers - 5:00 pm
Monday November 3rd - The McClain Sisters - 7:30 pm
Tuesday November 4th - Hotel California, A tribute to the Eagles - 7:30 pm
Wednesday November 5th - The Willis Clan - 7:30 pm
Thursday November 6th - Colt Ford - 7:30 pm
Friday November 7th - Big Daddy Weave - 7:00 pm and 9:00 pm
Saturday November 8th - The Embers and Band of Oz 7:30 pm
Sunday November 9th - The Guess Who 5:00 pm

For the complete list of entertainment go to Coastal Carolina Fair.

The Coastal Carolina Fair 2013-A 57 Year Old Tradition

Some notable events of 1957:
- Dwight D. Eisenhower was president and the 1st to fly in a helicopter.
- The Frisbee is renamed and nationally marketed.
- Velcro was patented by George de Mestral of Switzerland.
- 61st Boston Marathon won by John J Kelley of Connecticut in 2:20:05
- Music Man, starring Robert Preston, opens on Broadway.
- Elvis Presley emerges as one of the world's first rock star.
- Leave it to Beaver premiers on CBS.
- Leonard Bernstein's West Side Story debuts on Broadway.
- "I Love Lucy," last airs on CBS-TV.
- "American Bandstand" premieres.
- Italian composer Gian Carlo Menotti comes to Charleston at the instigation of Countess Alicia Paolozzi who owns a home in the city, and begins negotiations to make Charleston the American site of Menotti's Festival of Two Worlds, later called the Spoleto Festival.
- the first Coastal Carolina Fair.
And that brings us to 2013.

I made the mistake of going to the Coastal Carolina Fair on Monday...in my sandals. It was somewhat nippy on the toes after the sun made its exit, but despite my imprudent choice, I muddled through the evening warmed up by the colorful display of fair lights reflecting off the lake and the soulful country ballads of Pam Tillis and Lorrie Morgan.

I wouldn't of had it any other way. Sundown is when the fair takes on a personality of its own. The shadows are darker, the lights more dazzling, the sounds more raucous, and the smells more decadent. And, it was surprisingly crowded for a Monday night, at least from my perspective.

There was the usual plenty of the three reasons why people go to the fair - food, rides, and entertainment. Sorry beer lovers, one thing there won't be plenty of is beer. It is a nonalcoholic fair, but you don't need beer to have fun. This is a family-oriented event.

 

The lines moved swiftly and I didn't have to wait too long for anything. Oh, except when I ordered my "fish" gyro for $7, which was advertised as "new", and required a wait. Apparently not a popular choice among fair enthusiasts. The vendor had to get it out of the freezer and cook it up.

After it was sizzled in boiling oil, the vendor informed me, "It's good fish," which caused me to reflect on his words. Was he honestly convinced it was good fish or was he convincingly setting me up for disappointment? I have to say it was surprisingly not-fishy and paired with lettuce and tomato smothered in the house sauce wrapped in pita. Believe it or not, I have never eaten a regular gyro. When it comes to food, I do not venture into the unknown like an Anthony Bordain and eating fair food to me is like competing in a Survivor food challenge.

Here are just a few of the depraved oddities: fried bacon-wrapped pickles, Krispy Kreme sloppy Joes, deep-fried bubble gum, fried shrimp and grits, chicken-fried meatloaf, grilled doughnuts-on-a-stick, corn dogs, kebabs, elephant ears and the most popular food item at the Coastal Carolina Fair, turkey legs, but I am not revealing any new revelations here and the reoccurring word in this assortment is fried, fried, fried. I did see one vendor that sold vegetable dishes. There are three new fried delicacies. I will let you discover what they are for yourself- happy hunting.

 

 

The entertainment list for the rest of the week is as follows:
11/6 - Grand Funk Railroad - 7:30
11/7 - Jerrod Niemann - 7:30
11/8 - Britt Nicole - 8:00
11/9 - Brett Eldredge - 8:00
11/10 - Colt Ford - 5:00
For the complete list of entertainment go to Coastal Carolina Fair.

 

Confession - before heading over to the Lakefront Stage to see Pam Tillis and Lorrie Morgan, I wickedly indulged in a dish of pumpkin-spice funnel cakes - $7. Enjoy the pictures, they speak a thousand words. Photos by Keri Whitaker.

The Coastal Carolina Fair Is Near-Family Fun Time

Time sure passes by quickly, especially when you are having fun, as the saying goes. And it's already that time of the season for the 55th edition of the Coastal Carolina Fair at the Exchange Park in Ladson, October 27th thru November 5th to be exact. There is plenty for everybody to do to pass the time quickly at this years fair, if you are a fair goer because not everyone is. Plenty of the three reasons why people go to the fair- food, rides, and entertainment. Sorry beer lovers, one thing there won't be plenty of is beer. It is a nonalcoholic fair, but you don't need beer to have fun. This is a family-oriented event.

Personally, the best time to attend is at night, after the sun sets. The lights are brighter, the sounds are louder, the smells more intense. The thick smoke and various aromas from the line of vendors encircling the inner perimeters like a wagon train under attack, hangs in the air as an advertisement of their offerings. The choreographed flashing lights of the numerous carnival rides hynotize are young ones, drawing them into its control. The music and song from the scheduled entertainment more easily drifts through cooler night air. In turn, all of this aforementioned activity causes those in attendance to happily empty their pockets of their hard earned money. And not to be forgotten, an explosive mixture of nightly fireworks displays are scheduled.

When it comes to the food there will be everything from peanut butter and jelly to oriental and Italian food. Ah, the simple pleasure of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich, a brown bag favorite and now at the fair. Gyros, the "g" is silent, is what alot of people go to the fair to consume along with elephant ears, corn dogs, and cheese and nauchos.
  
The ferris wheel is a landmark of the fair and stands out prominantly as you approach the fairgrounds. Aside from the ferris wheel, this year's fair will have 64 ride attractions. Some new ones like the Spin Out along with popular favorites like The Fire Ball and Mega Drop. There will also by nearly 30 kids rides. Carnival Ride Tickets (20 Coupon Book) $17.00 up to October 26 and $20.00 October 27 at the gate-11.25 up to October 26 and 13.25 books October 27-at Piggly Wiggly only. Handstamp Ticket (Ride all day) 17.00 up to october 26 and $20.00 october 27 at the gate-11.25 up to October 26 and 13.25 October 27 at Piggly Wiggly only.

The 2011 Coast Carolina fair will feature a variety of musical entertainment including American Idol runner-up Crystal Bowersox, country singer Easton Corbon and The Guess Who. Other entertainment will include impressionist Rich Little, and show featuring live brown bears. For a complete list and times click scheduled entertainment. For ticket information click admission tickets.

The 2010 Coastal Carolina Fair-Set To Rock Oct 28-Nov 6

Fall is here. The air has cooled signicantly since the hot and humid summer ended and Charleston area residents are packing out the events around town. Activities at Boone Hall have seen large, overwhelming crowds from The Taste of Charleston to the Boone Hall Fright Nights. Next in line, The 2010 Coastal Carolina Fair is set to kickoff beginning October 28. Fun, food(get your gyros and elephant ears), rides, and live entertainment will be non-stop all the way to the end on November 6.

It is the 54th edition of the fair, the first fair was in 1957. It is run by the Exchange Club of Charleston and through its 250+ active members, donates over 20,000 volunteer hours each year to maintain and operate the fair. Home to the Coastal Carolina Fair is the Exchange Park in Ladson off of Highway 78 which is owned and operated by the Exchange Club of Charleston. There will be 67 ride attractions provided by Amusements of America & The Exchange Club of Charleston. Also, various stages throughout the park where live entertainment is scheduled. Not to leave unmentioned are the countless vendors who will be displaying their wares from the hot and spicy to the sweet and cold.

Events and Attractions:

Lake front Stage-Thurs. Oct. 28 country singer Phil Vassar. Easton Corbin Sat. Oct. 30. On Halloween, Colt Ford. The schedule also features Uncle Kracker, Ricky Skaggs and his band Kentucky Thunder, former American Idol contestant Danny Gokey, classic Southern rock band .38 Special, and Percy Sledge. The Coasters, the Platters, and the Marvelettes-close the concert series on Sat. Nov. 6. Dates and times.

Parkway Stage-Featured everyday is the Coastal Carolina Fair talent Search. The Best Legs Contest on Wednesday November 3rd at 1:00pm. Raiders Cheerleaders On November 1st at 6:00pm. Click here for the long list of events.

The Gazebo Lawn will feature Sea Lion Splash and The Gazebo Stage will feature comedic hypnotist Terrance B.

Photography Contest with three divisions. Division I-professional photographers (those who work full or part time in photography) and accomplished amateurs. Division II-amateurs of all ages. Division III-high school, middle school and elementary school age. Rules and awards.
Fireworks over the lake nightly.
Ticket prices.