Things to Do in Columbia

Fireworks, carousels, and chocolate-dipped bananas can mean only one thing: the Williamson County Fair is in town. This year it rolls in to celebrate the summer with rides, exhibits, and live entertainment from top acts from around the country. Thrill-seekers may want to start at the midway, which corrals all of the adrenaline-pumping, eye-popping attractions into one convenient location. The Enterprise dares riders to experience its 85-degree angled high-speed twirl, and the Pirate swings them back and forth in a full-size ship that re-creates the excitement of the high seas, from mounting colossal waves to mouth-feeding a seagull. Plenty of family-friendly rides, such as the classic carousel, ensure fun memories for visitors of all ages.

A trip to the fair wouldn’t be complete without exploring live events, exhibits, and competitions. Musical guests including The WannaBeatles, a Beatles cover band, and Pearl Heart, a song-writing sister trio, take to the main stage to serenade attendees. Further exploration of the grounds leads visitors to daily exhibits, from an agricultural equipment display and a BMX trick team to a petting zoo and nightly fireworks. Judges critique entries in various competitions, such as bread and pie baking, the Fairest of the Fair Pageant, and the contest to see whose dad can sneeze the loudest.