SC State Fair opens, offers some normalcy in Columbia

Sally Wood and her husband were among the early arrivals on Wednesday’s opening day of the S.C. State Fair.

The pair, who live near Beaver Dam in Columbia, went through tense days in the aftermath of the Oct. 4 flooding, worried that the dam would give way.

They were fortunate the dam held but they had nearby friends who were not so lucky. The return of the fair, now in its 146th year, offered some normalcy in Columbia.

Kimberly and Toney Cray, of Lower Richland, attended opening day and said they would have liked to see extra $1 entry fee days this year, in light of recent events. But, they said they’re happy to have the event arrive as planned.

“It helps bring the community back together,” Toney Cray said. “Shows that we’re still strong and we’re not going to let the flood get us.”

But some who attended the fair opening are still dealing with the devastation and trying to figure out their future.

Josie James was living with her fiance in Charleston when the storm hit, destroying their home. Her fiance has moved in with family in Bamberg, while she is here in Columbia staying with family.

James said it was her family’s idea to get her out of the house Wednesday to cheer her up – but to no avail.

“I think the fair should have waited,” she said. “I came to get out of the house, but when you lose everything you’ve got and all you can carry is a small suitcase, it’s not right. I’m hurt. I’m upset. I’m mad.”

While James said the fair does do good things for the area, it was hard for her to feel upbeat.

“I’m struggling and if it weren’t for my family buying me stuff at the fair I’d be lost,” she said, struggling to hold back tears. “I thank God for them.

The fair, which runs through Oct. 25, is donating net proceeds from this year’s $5 fairgrounds parking lot fee to help those affected by the floods.

This story was originally published October 15, 2015 at 7:26 AM with the headline "SC State Fair opens, offers some normalcy in Columbia."