It’s fall in the Lowcountry, which means the Coastal Carolina Fair is here near Charleston. Believe it or not, the fair’s been going on for 62 years in these parts. But before I get to that, a quick mention of tomorrow night. As I covered in that last blog, if you’re on the Isle of Palms and have kids, you might want to check out the Halloween happenings at the Rec Center. It’s going on between 5-7:00 p.m. with a costume contest starting at 5:30. There will be plenty of games and treats for all. The Rec is in the middle of the IOP at 24 28th Avenue.
Last minute Halloween tips
If you’re here on the Isle of Palms vacation rentals and want to feel like a local, here’s what you do. Most island kids hit the IOP Rec Center first, often in a decorated golf cart. Then they make their way up Hartnett Boulevard toward 41st Avenue. There are several homes decorated with spooky yardscapes and who are known for giving out the “good candy.” As I also covered in that last blog, not all Halloween candies are created equal. There’s a good list and a bad list. FYI, there are also a couple of well decorated houses on Waterway Boulevard. If you are working on a last minute costume, here are a couple simple Halloween makeup recipes to complete your look.
Fake Blood
- Light corn syrup
- A dash of liquid castile soap (to help make cleanup easier, later)
- Some red food coloring
Tip: For darker, more realistic blood, add a little blue food coloring. You can also mix in some chocolate syrup.
For a much happier and less macabre costume...
Fairy Glitter
- Aloe Vera Gel
- Fine Glitter
Mix well together and spread on your skin. You can also opt for mineral makeup or L’oreal instant bronzer for a tan beach fairy.
Here’s a helpful link to more chemical-free, homemade costume makeup recipes. They include face paint (also good for football season!) plus one for edible goop (perfect for making fake wounds, warts, etc.).
The Coastal Carolina Fair comes back to the coast
As they tend to be around the country, the annual fair is a pretty big deal around these parts. Believe it or not, 250,000 folks are expected to attend over the course of its run. Who knows - you just might experience your own “The Notebook” Noah-meets-Allie moment. After all, Noah first spotted Allie at a fairground. Speaking of which, many key scenes of the movie were filmed in locations near Charleston. They shot important scenes at Boone Hall Plantation (just over the Connector from the Isle of Palms), in the Old Village of Mount Pleasant, on Upper King Street, at the old Navy Base, and in Cypress Gardens. The fair is going on now through Sunday, November 4th. Here’s the official website with the full scoop, including ticket prices, hours, schedules, and parking info. Also, here’s Live 5 News’s coverage of it. According to them, “The fair claims to have something for everyone: rides and rodeos, national and local entertainment, exhibits including arts and crafts, and a barn and animals.” And here is a list of frequently asked questions about the fair.
As for things to see and do at the fair, you really do have an overchoice:
- Bruson Blaszak’s Royal Tigers Show
- American BullRiders Tour
- Dance groups galore, choruses and bluegrass bands
- Music of all kinds, including great headliners
- Mark Yuzuick, Hypnotist
- Carl Brunson, One Man Band
- Scott’s World of Magic
- Talent Search
- Fashion Shows
- Chili Cook-Off
- Coastal Carolina Fair Pageants in several age divisions
- Creative, Fine Arts, Photography and Youth Arts Shows
- Flower Show
- Honey Competition
- All-American Petting Zoo
- A slew of vendors
- Oodles of 4-H Competitions and Events
…and that’s all on top of several dozen Midway Rides and Kiddieland Rides. Last but not least, there’ll be the famous very bad-for-you deep-fried fair food. According to Hanna Raskin, the Post & Courier’s resident foodie, this year’s hot item: Deep-Fried Cheesy Meatballs-on-a-Stick. Apparently it was a big hit at Raleigh’s fair and is the creation of Derek Porter of State Fair Foods. The Coastal Carolina Fair is located at the Exchange Park Fairgrounds in Ladson, a pretty convenient drive from all our rental homes South Carolina. For your GPS, it’s at 9850 U.S. Highway 78, Ladson. From your Charleston beach house on Isle of Palms, head over the Connector to Mount Pleasant, get on I-526 till you reach I-26, then head north (well, technically west, I-26 West) till you reach the Ladson exit. So Happy Halloween. Stay safe, and may you have more treats than tricks come your way. And when you are looking for SC vacation rentals, be sure to call EP. All best, Lowcountry Lisa your Isle of Palms vacation blogger