The Piedmont Interstate Fair made its exciting return to Spartanburg from Oct. 7-12. The event featured a variety of attractions, including thrilling rides, delightful, sweet treats and a showcase of local talent featuring student artwork from throughout the county. Visitors enjoyed not only the amusement rides and animal exhibits but also musical performances and a diverse selection of food vendors, making for an enjoyable fair experience.
The Piedmont Interstate Fair, held annually at the Spartanburg Fairgrounds, is one of the city’s most cherished traditions. Founded in 1945, the fair has evolved from a modest agricultural gathering into a regional celebration of culture, education and entertainment.
One of the highlights was the student art exhibit, showcasing artwork from across Spartanburg County, including submissions from students at Spartanburg High School. The exhibit provided young artists with an opportunity to showcase their work to the wider community in collaboration with the Spartanburg County School District. It featured more than 100 pieces created by students from various grade levels.
The gallery displayed a variety of artworks, such as paintings, digital art, sculptures and photography.
One of the students featured was Juliette Leopard (10), who submitted a piece titled “College Admissions Struggles.” The drawing illustrated a fierce competition, comparing the college admissions process to the intensity of “The Hunger Games.”
“I loved seeing this piece among the student work because I know most students feel college admissions is challenging as well,” Leopard said. “It expresses the frightening experience of picking a school then trying to compete for a spot.”
Outside the exhibit hall, the fairgrounds were filled with classic attractions that have made the Piedmont Interstate Fair a fall favorite for generations. Visitors enjoyed thrilling rides like the Zipper and the Ferris wheel, accompanied by the scents of cotton candy, popcorn and fried Oreos. For many, the agricultural exhibits were the highlight: the goat, rabbit and poultry shows, along with the farm animal barns and the interactive petting zoo, captivated families and students alike.
Bre’Niseisa Sullivan (12) enjoyed going to the fair with her friends and making memories.
“My favorite part of the Spartanburg County Fair was not the food or the rides; it was being able to hang out with friends and have a good time. This was my favorite part because no matter how many rides I rode or how much good food I ate, it wouldn’t have been the same without my friends and that’s why it was my favorite part, actually if it wasn’t for them I would have missed out on all the fun by just staying home,” Sullivan said.
Throughout the week, attractions like Jurassic Kingdom, Doc Magic, helicopter rides, Agri-Golf and nightly musical performances provided variety to each night’s lineup.
The fair supports various community programs by providing annual funding to the Cleveland Academy of Leadership Foundation and the Hub City Farmers Market Urban Farm. It also hosts events in partnership with Big Rock Amusements and the Spartanburg Police Club for Children’s Cancer Partners of the Carolinas.
For Mathilde Sexeny (11), the fair is about more than just showcasing talent. She says it’s a celebration of shared experiences.
“What I love most about the Piedmont Interstate Fair is how it brings together people of all ages to share a fun, nostalgic event,” Sexeny said. “Moments like these, where Spartanburgers come together and eat the same buttery popcorn, don’t happen often, but they’re what holds our community together.”
The Piedmont Interstate Fair remains a place for Spartanburg residents to reconnect not only with one another but also with the culture and creativity of their city. From the squeals on the tilt-a-whirl to the admiration of a student painting, the fair embodies the unique spirit of fall in Spartanburg.
