Ladson, South Carolina — The Coastal Carolina Fair is in full swing, with sweet food, large rides, and plenty of animals marking the Lowcountry’s biggest fall event.
Whether you’re looking for ponies, sea lions, or new creatures, this year’s fair is all about creating memories for families.
What’s the biggest buzz at the fairgrounds? Every night, the sea lion puts on a popular display.
“You can expect a lot of fun,” said Ivo Silva, the Sea Lion trainer.
“Every show is different because you never know what will happen. Sometimes everything goes perfectly. And occasionally the tiny one just begins running about and playing with the other kids, which makes for a funny mess.”
Guests may even take a photo with the flippered stars for a modest cost, in addition to performing tricks on land and splashing in water.
Visitors are flocking to the All-American Petting Zoo, where kangaroos, camels, zebras, goats, and a variety of other creatures are ready to be fed and caressed for free.
“It was so busy here yesterday that you could barely walk,” said Charles Beam, the owner of the All American Petting Zoo.
“We’ve been here so long it’s like a staple…” Every year, we bring a different animal, giving folks an incentive to come see something new.”
Inside the Livestock Barn, student volunteers care for horses, rabbits, cows, and other farm animals, hoping that visitors would leave with a better understanding of what it takes to raise them.
“Hopefully they can take away more than just information a better understanding and happiness for our world and the animals in it,” said to volunteer Ryan Seunandan.
Volunteer Madilynn Riley expressed her hope that visitors will appreciate the work and attention put into caring for them on a daily basis.
“Each morning, each night setting up, taking down, picking up poop, feeding and watering everything.”
The Coastal Carolina Fair runs till November 9th.
