Having fun at the fair

With everything costing more, and more people having to count every dollar, the folks in charge of the Coastal Carolina Fair were concerned about attendance this year.

"We've been looking at our prices very carefully," says Joe Bolchoz of the Exchange Club of Charleston, which owns and operates the annual event. "Everything is more expensive this year."

But Bolchoz says he has spoken to fair operators in nearby towns, and the picture is bright.

"They say that overall, it's been a very good season," he says. "People are coming out. Their belief — and mine, too — is that instead of taking trips this year, people will stay closer to home to spend their money, and that includes going to the fair."

Bolchoz says he is "cautiously optimistic" about attendance at this year's fair, which opens Thursday and runs for 10 days at the Exchange Park in Ladson. About a quarter of a million people visit each year.

The Exchange Club reinvests proceeds in the fairgrounds and gives money to area charities and scholarship funds such as Metanoia Freedom School and the American Cancer Society.

"It's important for people to realize that no money is going into anybody's pocket,' Bolchoz says.

Grounds improvements this year include improved lighting in some areas, Bolchoz says.

Here are some tips for saving money at the fair:

-- Eat before you go. That's easier said than done since most folks will be at the fair during the dinner hour. If you have to eat there, however, Bolchoz says prices aren't exorbitant.

"I went out to eat locally recently and by the time I had a sub, chips and a drink, it was $9," he says. "I don't think our pricing is that far off from that."

Note that backpacks are not prohibited, but are subject to search-ing and visitors are not allowed to bring food in with the exception of food and drinks for infants and toddlers.

-- Buy advance tickets. Through Wednesday, advance gate tickets are $4 for ages 6-12 and $6 for adults (5 and under admitted free). Advance ride coupon books and hand stamp tickets are each $17.

-- At the gate, you'll shell out $5 for kids and $8 for adults, and hand stamps and ride coupon books will cost $20.

Bolchoz says the costs for rides increased this year because of rising fuel costs.

"We kept the gate prices the same," he says. "We tried to hold back on all our prices, but we had to go up on hand stamps and ride coupons because of the cost of diesel. We have encouraged Amusements of America to bring us new rides and some of them are coming from as far away as Texas."

Still, with advance purchases, a family of four with two kids ages 6-12, will spend $88 for admission and rides, a savings of $18 over costs at the fair.

What's more, you can save your cash and use Greenbax stamps to get in any day.

Admission is four books for kids and five for adults.

Additionally, consider the options: hand stamps, which can be used by just one person, are good for unlimited rides, which could save you money if you love the Midway; coupon books, on the other hand, could get several riders on a ride or two. And if you don't enjoy rides, you can skip both options.

The entertainment, from local dance schools to the Gin Blossoms, is free every day.

--Bring your own stroller. If you know your child will get tired, or you will get tired of carrying stuff around, bring a stroller and save the cost of renting one there.

--Avoid the games. You might be tempted to prove to your sweetie that you can toss a hoop over a milk bottle or shoot a water gun to make the clown's head rise, but those games cost money, and once you start playing, it's tough to stop.

TIPS TO ENJOY THE EVENT

-- When you arrive, you'll be directed where to park. Parking is free, and the lots are lighted and patrolled. Make a mental note of where you park. It'll come in handy when it's time to go home.

-- Also notice whether you enter through Gate 1, 2 or 4. (Gate 3 is for commercial use.) Parents who are dropping off or picking up teens are encouraged to use Gate 1, which is lit and covered and has easy access to U.S. Highway 78.

-- Strollers are allowed.

-- Backpacks are discouraged and might be searched.

-- Charleston County deputies patrol the fair in uniform.

-- Exchange Club of Charleston members wear hats to ID themselves. Many carry walkie-talkies for emergencies.

-- Police officers and fair officials are notified immediately of reports of missing children. The "Lost Parents" area at Gate 1 is enclosed and guarded by police.

-- The fair is laid out in a figure 8. Front loop has exhibit halls, stages, vendors and kiddie rides. Back area houses the Midway with games and rides for older kids and adults.

-- Rides are inspected by an independent contractor hired by the Exchange Club.

-- For safety, strollers, food and drinks aren't allowed in the animal area. Also, visitors are urged to wash their hands when leaving the area.

-- Park's four stages have family-oriented shows each day.

-- Arts and crafts, photography and other competitions take place in the halls.

-- Posted fair hours are when the gates are open. Buildings are open an hour later, and rides about two hours.

FAIR HIGHLIGHTS

The Coastal Carolina Fair runs Thursday through Nov. 8 at the Exchange Park on U.S. Highway 78 in Ladson. Parking is free.

Advance admission tickets, available at Piggly Wiggly stores, are $4 for ages 6-12 and $6 for adults. Ages 5 and under are admitted free.

Admission at the gate is $5 for children and $8 for adults. Admission includes entertainment. Ride tickets and hand stamps are extra. Visit coastalcarolinafair.org or call 572-3161.

Some highlights:

THURSDAY

Hours: 3-9 p.m.

6-8 p.m.: 4-H Pizza Pizazz Contest.

5-10 p.m.: Championship Horse Show.

7:30 p.m.: Three Dog Night.

FRIDAY

Hours: 3-11 p.m.

6-8:30 p.m.: 4-H Eggonomics Contest.

6:30 p.m.: Halloween Strut (ages 12 and under in costume).

9 p.m.: Little Texas.

SATURDAY

Hours: Noon-11 p.m.

All day: 4-H Open Horse Show.

1-5:15 p.m.: Kookie Cookie Cook-off.

3:15-3:45 p.m.: Pumpkin Decorating (ages 9-11).

9 p.m.: Jake Owen.

SUNDAY

Hours: Noon-9 p.m.

All day: Team Roping Contest.

3 p.m.: Preschooler pageant.

6:30 p.m.: Heidi Newfield.

MONDAY

Hours: 3-11 p.m.

7 p.m.: Professional bull riding.

9 p.m.: Joe Nichols.

NOV. 4

Hours: 1-9 p.m.

7 p.m.: Professional bull riding.

9 p.m.: Phil Vassar.

NOV. 5

Hours: 3-9 p.m.

11-a.m.-3 p.m.: Senior Citizens Day. Free age 60+ all day.

3 p.m.: Midway opens.

7:30 p.m.: James Gregory.

NOV. 6

Hours: 3-9 p.m.

7:30 p.m.: Gin Blossoms.

NOV. 7

Hours: 3-11 p.m.

5:30-9 p.m.: 4-H Pizza Pizazz Contest.

7 and 9 p.m.: Barrel Racing Clinic.

9 p.m.: Bucky Covington.

NOV. 8

Hours: Noon-11 p.m.

All day: National Barrel Horse Association Horse Show.

1-6 p.m.: Muffin Mania Contest.

2 p.m.: King Arthur Flour Baking Contest.

6:30-8 p.m.: Chili Cook-off.

8 p.m.: Little Anthony & the Imperials.

Daily events:

-- Fireworks: 8:45 p.m. Sunday-Thursday; 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

-- Hypnotist show.

-- Elephant show.

-- One-man Band show.

-- Petting zoo.

-- Local talent.

-- Exhibits.

Brenda Rindge can be reached at 937-5713 or at brindge@postandcourier.com.