ATTENTION:
GENERAL RULES:
We want everyone to have a great time at the fair but remember to put safety first at all times. Please read and abide by all fair rules for the safety and enjoyment of all.
To protect everyone’s safety and security, we ask that all of our guests follow our rules and policies.
The Piedmont Interstate Fair is PRIVATE PROPERTY.
The Piedmont Interstate Fair reserves the right to search all packages, bags, strollers, clothing, cups, pocketbooks, briefcases, your person, and any other objects deemed to be a possible carrier of any prohibited item(s), destructive, or lethal device.
Weapons (Concealed Carry or Open Carried) are not allowed on the fairgrounds even if you are a Concealed Weapons Permit holder.
Persons wearing offensive or gang related clothing will not be allowed onto the fairgrounds.
The Piedmont Interstate Fair is under the jurisdiction of the Spartanburg Police Department and Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office.
Code of Conduct
- Use proper trash and recycling receptacles.
- Appropriate attire required at all times (shirt and pants, shirt and skirt, or dress, and shoes).
- No alcoholic beverages permitted, including in parking lots.
- No backpacks.
- No concealed weapons (even by permit holders).
- No activities or behavior that could endanger or annoy others (skateboarding, roller blading, bicycling, radios, profanity).
- No outside food or beverages.
- No gang-related clothes, colors, signs, jewelry, or activities.
- No loitering, blocking storefronts, or walking groups that inconvenience others.
- No standing on chairs or benches.
- No pets, except service animals approved by the ADA, those leashed on the campgrounds, or those part of an authorized act or exhibit.
- No picketing, distributing handbills, soliciting, or petitioning without approval from fair management.
- No smoking or vaping in any buildings, Kiddieland, viewing stands, tents, livestock barns and surrounding areas, or any areas with no smoking signage.
1. CLEAR BAG POLICY- To provide a safer environment for the public and significantly expedite entry into the Fair, The Piedmont Interstate Fair Association has implemented a Clear Bag policy this year that limits the size and type of bags that may be brought into the Fair. Exceptions to this policy will be made for all medically necessary items after proper inspection.
The Piedmont Interstate Fair strongly encourages patrons to not bring any type of bags, but patrons will be able to carry the following style and size bag, package, or container at the Fair.
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- Bags that are clear plastic, vinyl or PVC and do not exceed 12" x 6" x 12."
- No buckles, grommets/hardware, décor, or logo's can be concealing any part of the bag. The bag literally must be all clear.
- One-gallon clear plastic freezer bag (Ziplock bag or similar).
- Small clutch bags, which cannot exceed 4.5" x 6.5" in size, with or without a handle or strap can be taken into the Fair with one of the clear plastic bags.
Prohibited items include, but are not limited to: purses larger than a clutch bag, coolers, briefcases, backpacks, fanny packs, cinch bags, luggage of any kind, computer bags and camera bags or any bag larger than the permissible size. Diapers bags, and strollers with under carriage storage are subject to inspection.
2. In an effort to ensure the safety of our patrons, staff, and community, The Piedmont Interstate Fair Association will also implement the use of metal detectors and magnetometers.
3. No Weapons are permitted on Fairgrounds Property. This includes but is not limited to knives, guns etc. This includes concealed weapon permit holders. No Exceptions.
4. Youth Attendance Policy:
- The Piedmont Interstate Fair Association, Spartanburg Police Department, and Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office are all devoted to ensuring an enjoyable fair experience for our patrons.
- All youth under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian to attend the Piedmont Interstate Fair.
- Identification may be required to verify the age of attendees.
- Any activity at the fair deemed inappropriate may result in ejection from the fair premises at the sole discretion of the fair staff and law enforcement.
Parents/ Guardians may be held liable for the actions of the youth they escort to the Fair. Criminal and Civil liability may include incarceration and/or monetary compensation.
Count Down to the 2024 Fair:
SEW IT, GROW IT, SHOW IT
October 8th - 13th, 2024
The Piedmont Interstate Fair Brings Home another award, 14th year in a row!
At the 2019 GA/SC Association of Agricultural Fairs Convention, The Piedmont Interstate Fair was awarded the "Best Display Using a Unique Form or Fair Theme."
Right before the 2018 Fair, artist Stephen Long and Jeremy Kemp accepted the challenge to Beautify the 73 year old front gates of the Piedmont Interstate Fair grounds. The finished product was memorizing. Not only a historic mural, but an Amazing display of colors that embodies the feel and look of a county fair! The Piedmont Interstate Fair definitely "got it's fair face on" for future fairs to come!
~ 79 Years of Family Tradition ~
The Piedmont Interstate Fair Association was formed in 1945 with the first fair being held at its present location in 1946. Capital was raised for the purchase of the assets of the previous Spartanburg County Fair by selling memberships to businessmen and farmers from six counties, Polk and Rutherford Counties in North Carolina and Spartanburg, Cherokee, Union and Laurens in South Carolina. These funds, as well as fine stewardship by the Board of Directors and staff, has culminated in the facilities, activities and services the Fair provides every year to the community.
In 2017 the Piedmont Interstate Fair Association entered into an agreement with the City of Spartanburg to acquire ownership of the property where the Fair is held. The Association and the City, in partnership with the Mary Black Foundation and School District 7, exchanged properties to allow for the construction of the new Franklin School on Howard Street. Prior to this agreement the City of Spartanburg had leased the Fair property to the Association and the Association had owned all of the property fronting on Howard Street and the parking lots. This new agreement ensures the Fair will remain at its current location for the foreseeable future and the exchange provided for continued redevelopment of the Northside area of the city. The Fair Association, in agreement with the city, also maintains a city park on our property.
As a part of the Fair Associations commitment to the community we also engage in activities to assist the community. The Fair Association Board provides yearly funding to School District 7 Cleveland Academy of Leadership Foundation and The Hub City Farmers Market Urban Farm. We host the Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas with Big Rock Amusements and the Spartanburg Police Club, providing an exciting evening for children and families facing the challenge of childhood cancer. We also sponsor monthly food assistance programs on our property with Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina that provide food to needy individuals and families. We also partner with The Spartanburg County Library System to expand their Seed Bank program to all ten branches countywide.
The Association has made numerous improvements to the grounds over the past 79 years. The food court, two large exhibit halls, a pavilion, offices, barns, the Ag building, and the grandstands; all of these venues are vital to hosting a successful Fair. They are all also available for events throughout the year. Car shows, rodeos, circuses, community events and parties are hosted on a regular basis. You are encouraged to inquire about rentals at our Fair office. The Fair has also undertaken parking lot improvements, new road signage, and upgraded landscaping.
The Fair is governed by a 20-member volunteer board with three full-time employees: an executive director, an administrative assistant, and facilities superintendent. During Fair week the Association employees more than 100 associates to assist with making the Fair a successful and enjoyable experience for our patrons. We also employ Spartanburg Police Department officers and Spartanburg Sheriff’s Office deputies to ensure the safety of our patrons. Spartanburg Medical Center EMTs are also on site for medical emergencies.
Pepsi Beverages Company of Spartanburg, a division of Pepsico, is a sponsor and the exclusive beverage provider for the Piedmont Interstate Fair.
In 2000, our organization attained a 501 (c) 3 nonprofit status with the IRS. Our Fair has a long-standing record of providing good, wholesome, family-oriented entertainment for its patrons suitable for the entire community. In addition, our Fair provides countless opportunities for members of our community to display their talents, hobbies, and prized possessions and receive recognition and awards for their efforts.
The Fair conducts numerous contests for school age children each year giving them an opportunity to be involved in their county fair, win prizes for themselves and for their schools, and being helpful to others in their community. The Piedmont Interstate Fair also sponsors South Carolina Meat 4-H/FFA Goat Project, Beef Show, and Poultry Show. This year we have added the Junior Rabbit Show. These shows held every year, allow youth to display their animal husbandry skills.
The Art Department receives exhibits from the young novice as well as the more seasoned and talented artist. This department, as well as the House of Flowers, have been an integral part of the Fair and draw many patrons that can view the talents and creativity of community members.
The Fair places emphasis on agriculture and educational opportunities for children. Our cattle barns have a wide array of farm animals and fowl at our annual event for the benefit of all our patrons. The Agriculture Building has competitive exhibits of farm products and food arts from cakes to pickles. In addition, there is a live beehive, an American Legion educational display, and numerous other educational displays. To all these beautiful, interesting, and educational exhibits, we add a traditional carnival with all the thrills, lights, sounds and aromas so familiar from our childhoods.
The Piedmont Interstate Fair Association has won many state awards. In addition, the Fair has been honored with six South Carolina Fairman of the Year awards. These honors awarded to the Piedmont Interstate Fair and staff cast a bright spotlight on our organization and our community.
Tradition and history are always at the forefront of the Fair. There is no other venue like a county fair and no other fair like the Piedmont Interstate Fair. For 79 years we have strived to provide our community with a great experience. Each year our leadership looks for new and innovative ways to provide an exceptional experience to our patrons, for the most affordable price. The Piedmont Interstate Fair Association will continue to be a valuable community asset to Spartanburg and all of the surrounding areas. See you at the Fair!
Cleveland Academy Receives Donation from the Piedmont Interstate Fair
Once again the Piedmont Interstate Fair was honored to donate $11,000.00 to the Cleveland Academy to send the entire 5th grade on an educational field trip to Barrier Island. Thanks to our Board Member, Mr. William (Bubba) Littlejohn, for coordinating this effort with Spartanburg District Seven.
