Carnival & Fair News

The Coastal Carolina Fair continued to make a substantial impact on charities in the tri-county area this year, according to fair president Fred Whittle.

Held at the Exchange Club grounds in Ladson, South Carolina, this year marked the fair's sixty eighth year. The event ran from October 30 to November 9 at Ladson Exchange Park. More than sixty five rides were provided by Reithoffer Shows of Gibsonton, Florida on the midway. Guests also enjoyed family friendly games, a wide variety of food, and the All American Petting Zoo, which celebrated the birth of a new female baby donkey.

The eleven day annual event carried the theme “Under the Stars.”

Attendance was strong, though final numbers were not yet available at press time. Robert Patterson, owner of Top Shelf Catering and Beverage and Special Ops Events, reported sales up by double digits for 2025, meaning even more proceeds for local charities.

Fair admission was thirteen dollars for adults through October 29 and fifteen dollars thereafter. Tickets for children were five dollars through the twenty ninth and seven dollars afterward. Children age five and under were admitted free throughout the fair. Reithoffer ride wristbands were twenty five dollars online and at area Circle K stores through October 29. After that date they were thirty dollars Monday through Friday and thirty five dollars on Saturday and Sunday.

Fairgoers enjoyed a variety of discounts. October 30 was Bring a Friend Free Admission Day. Military and First Responders Day on October 31 and November 7 offered free admission. On Tuesday, November 4, guests could purchase one unlimited ride wristband and receive a second free at the fair gates or the Reithoffer booth. Wednesday, November 5 featured five dollar admission for seniors age fifty five and older along with a free ticket for accompanying caregivers.

The Reithoffer carnival remained a major draw, from the Ferris wheel to the kiddie rides. New thrill rides included Lightning and Mega Drop, anew 100' ARM Super Shot drop tower. Lightning was especially popular among thrill seekers because of its unique windmill design and ninety mile per hour rotation. A separate ticket was required to ride Lightning.



Other popular rides included Vertigo, Zero Gravity, Ring of Fire, Freak Out, Pharaoh's Fury, and Full Tilt. Family favorites such as the ninety foot Gentle Giant Ferris wheel and the Grand Carousel also delighted guests. The Haunted Mansion dark ride drew large crowds as well.

David Grimm, director of business development and marketing for Reithoffer Shows, noted that approximately thirty of the rides were geared toward younger children.

Food was a highlight for many visitors. Options ranged from giant turkey legs to elephant ears, spicy Nashville hot fried pickles, blueberry lemonade, and the impressive Pig Trough banana split from Ye Old Fashioned, which included six scoops of ice cream. Netterfield's operated twelve stands offering corn dogs, Italian and Polish sausages, popcorn, and cotton candy. Cox served barbecue and Dimitri's Greek Foods offered gyros. Fresh made cinnamon rolls were popular, and Moose Joose's flavored slushies topped with whipped cream including the new Cheerwine flavor with a red velvet cake pop were big hits.

A new addition this year was Sweet But Not So Sweet, which offered maple bacon brownies at the baker's booth in the agricultural building.

Pizza options were plentiful, including a pickle pizza from Rick's. Donuts were another strong seller with flavors such as hot honey jalapeno and maple bacon. From burgers to Asian noodles, there was something for every appetite including this year's most talked about new midway item, Dubai chocolate.

Edisto and Company introduced the Dubai Waffle on a stick, a layered treat with powdered sugar, warm chocolate, pistachio cream, kataifi, and fresh strawberries.

The fair's popular Bulk Candy Store returned with candy sold by weight. Vendors also offered deep fried sweets including Oreos, Snickers, and cheesecake.

Adult beverages were available in the fair's two Beer Gardens. One was open air and the other was a covered space featuring a large screen television that allowed guests to keep up with sporting events.

Fair organizer Jay Wallace shared that more than eighty vendors offered international treats this year.

Beyond food and rides, entertainment options included musical performances by The Yacht Club, Queen Nation, La Alianza Nortena, Bluffet, Craig Campbell, and Preston Cooper. Southern Soul Night returned, and the fair hosted a rodeo Monday through Wednesday. Daily sea lion performances added to the fun.

The fair also featured agricultural exhibits, baked goods, creative arts, photography displays, and chili cook off demonstrations in the exhibit halls.

Jeremy Tate, chairman of building and grounds, emphasized that all of the rides, entertainment, and food ultimately support local charities. “This past year we gave away over nine hundred thousand dollars to seventy three local charities. It really starts with a strong turnout from our community.”

Last year's funds supported organizations such as Berkeley Seniors, the Dorchester Child Advocacy Center, Metanoia, Dorchester Habitat for Humanity, and the Low Country Food Bank among many others.