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The South Carolina State Fair is now accepting entries for its annual competitive exhibits, which will be on display Oct. 9-20, during the S.C. State Fair. Exhibitors from across South Carolina are invited to submit their entries now through Sept. 1 in a variety of categories for a chance to compete at the state’s largest event. 

“We are thrilled to once again bring together the incredible talent and creativity of South Carolinians at this year’s South Carolina State Fair,” said General Manager Nancy Smith. “Our competitive exhibits, a cherished tradition and the heart of our fair, highlight the exceptional skills and artistic achievements of our community. We eagerly anticipate celebrating South Carolina’s rich heritage and showcasing the outstanding works of our talented exhibitors.” 

Talent of all ages and backgrounds is encouraged to participate in the competitions. More than $300,000 in premiums will be offered for award-winning exhibits in agriculture, art, home and crafts, flowers, livestock and more. To enter the 2024 competitive exhibits, participants can visit scstatefair.org/competitions and find detailed instructions on how to submit their entries, along with a comprehensive list of categories available for participation. 

The S.C. State Fair is a charitable organization dedicated to preserving and promoting South Carolina’s agricultural roots while supporting statewide education. Earlier this year, the S.C. State Fair awarded its largest amount of scholarship money, totaling $530,000 in Ride of Your Life Scholarships to 53 South Carolina high school students to pursue their studies at any public or private college, university or technical college in the state. 

The theme for the 2024 S.C. State Fair is “46 Reasons to Celebrate SC.” This year, the S.C. State Fair invites residents and visitors to embark on a remarkable journey to celebrate the very essence of what makes the Palmetto State such a special place to live, work and play – the 46 counties that collectively make up South Carolina. In collaboration with this year’s theme, additional categories and divisions have been added to the S.C. State Fair’s 2024 competitive exhibits, including the “Spirit of Carolina” awards, showcasing the best of South Carolina’s beauty and creativity. 

About the South Carolina State Fair 

The South Carolina State Fair, a self-supporting 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, was organized in 1869 and is dedicated to preserving and promoting South Carolina’s agricultural roots while supporting statewide education. In addition to the 12-day South Carolina State Fair, the charitable organization manages annual football parking, is a popular event venue and has awarded more than $5 million in scholarships since 1997. 

More information can be found at SCStateFair.org. 

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Two years ago, the Supreme Court overturned Roe vs. Wade, fundamentally altering women’s rights across the nation. As I returned to work from maternity leave, the weight of having fewer rights than just weeks before filled me with rage and sorrow. However, today I’m not writing about bodily autonomy, but about the long-term economic implications of abortion restrictions.

As a numbers person, I find it economically illogical to restrict — let alone ban — abortion. According to a recent publication by the Institute for Women’s Policy Research, should abortion restrictions reach a national scale, the United States would suffer a near $173 billion economic loss. For South Carolina in particular, our projected annual loss is nearly $3 billion. This staggering figure suggests that our lawmakers, in their perceived focus on moral and ethical considerations, might not have carefully considered the economic ramifications of these restrictive measures.

More: SC Senate passes six-week abortion ban. New litigation expected after Gov. signs into law.

Let’s break down the potential impact on South Carolina’s workforce. There are approximately 1.38 million women participating in our state’s workforce, with nearly one-third ages 20 to 35 — the group in which most abortions were performed. In 2022, the South Carolina Department of Health reported 5,568 abortions, mostly from families who already have children. If we removed just these individuals from the workforce, South Carolina would lose more than $211 million per year (based on a median income of $38,000).

This figure doesn’t account for any supplemental public benefits these families might need if another child pushes them into poverty. Based on average SNAP benefits alone, it could cost South Carolina an additional $1,392,000 annually — not including medical coverage, cash assistance, or child-care scholarships. Over five years, the minimum economic impact could reach $1,064,880,000.

Moreover, while recent stories reported a drastic 80% drop in abortion rates in South Carolina, they fail to mention that more than 8,000 individuals sought abortions in neighboring states like North Carolina. This not only represents a significant economic outflow, but also places additional burdens on those seeking care.

These economic realities are stark, but they raise deeper questions: What do South Carolinians truly value? We live in a state of perpetual dichotomy. We claim to prioritize family values but don’t provide the support systems that families need, like universal child care. We talk about protecting children, but our governor rejected federal funds for a program offering food assistance to needy families during the summer months when schools are closed.

For years, the Women’s Rights and Empowerment Network (WREN) fought to remove the sales tax from essential period products in the same year that our representatives passed legislation approving aerial hunting of feral hogs. This disconnect between our stated values and our lawmakers’ legislative priorities is striking.

And the ripple effects of these restrictions extend far beyond immediate economic impacts, affecting our entire state:

1. Health care: Our medical system faces potential deterioration as professionals leave for states where they can provide comprehensive reproductive care. This exodus, coupled with fewer incoming medical students and residents, could lead to provider shortages and reduced quality of care for everyone.
2. Education: Restricted access to reproductive healthcare could widen educational gaps. Teenage parents already face challenges in continuing their education, leading to higher dropout rates and delayed pursuit of higher education. This affects future earnings and economic mobility, creating a cycle of disadvantage.
3. Business and employment: Companies may hesitate to locate or expand in a state with such restrictions, affecting job opportunities for everyone.
4. Public resources: The increased strain on health care and social services could likely lead to higher taxes or reduced services for all citizens, regardless of gender or reproductive status.

The economic fall of South Carolina isn’t a distant possibility – it’s a looming threat if we continue down this path. It’s time for all South Carolinians, regardless of personal beliefs about abortion, to seriously consider the economic consequences of these policies. Are we prepared to sacrifice billions in economic activity, strain our public resources, and potentially drive away job-creating businesses?

As we approach the polls and engage with our representatives, let’s demand policies that support not just our values, but our economic well-being. The prosperity of our state and the welfare of all its citizens depend on it.

We must act now to prevent South Carolina from falling into a preventable economic decline. Our future depends on it.

Dr. Amalia Luxardo is chief executive officer for the Women’s Rights & Empowerment Network (WREN) in South Carolina.

TRENTON, S.C. (WRDW/WAGT) – This year, temperatures are the highest they have been in a while. It’s no secret, we have definitely been feeling it.

One thing thriving in this heat are the peach crops.

It’s the peak of peach season at Sara’s Fresh Market.

A late freeze in 2023 took 70% of Titan Farms peaches. Leaders at Sara’s say 2024 is the year of their sweet comeback.

Karisa Ruth, director of retail sales and community engagement, said, “There was just no one that had peaches. I mean peaches were gone.”

It may be a little hot for us, but this year the crop is loving it.

At the market, the bounce back from last year’s season has been a huge success.

“This year we have a full crop, We have a bountiful crop. They’re good and sweet,” said Ruth.

Ruth said thanks to the heat, trees are producing a large number of peaches. Just in time for peak season.

“Well, let’s just put it this way, I’ve had to move all my employee parking to another parking lot because our customers are coming out so much,” said Ruth.

A good crop and loyal customers are helping Sara’s Market rebound.

Ruth said she doesn’t expect it to stop anytime soon.

“It’s just a great little place on the side of the road, that is a little piece of heaven,” said Ruth.

The crowds won’t slow down after peach season.

On Sept. 19 Sara’s Farm Adventure will have its grand opening with a pumpkin patch, sunflower field, corn maze, and more.

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