If it’s the end of April in Columbia then it’s time for Sparkleberry Fair! This year we went for the first time. What a pleasant surprise! Imagine a smaller, less crowded and more fun State Fair. Parking was $5, individual food items and rides about $3-4 ($25 for unlimited rides). The best activities were free: petting zoo, arts and crafts, face painting, Native American demonstrations.

The Sparkleberry Fair is held annually at the Clemson Research Center in northeast Columbia, also home to the Sandhills Farmers Market and the Carolina Children’s Garden.

Highlights from the farm
There were the cutest bunnies in the world! The kids were thrilled to hold them and have their picture with them. There were so many varieties of color, size, and fur type! Did you know there are over 50 recognized rabbit breeds in America alone?

Meet the wool princess, the alpaca! Nice touch…I liked the on site demo of how to thread wool using an antique farm machine and the large displays of hats, sweaters, gloves, book covers and bowls all made from alpaca wool and skin.

What a beautiful coat you have! The little zebra was very docile and easygoing with the kids.

Hit the road Jack…well he would be happy if you just give him some corn. When I reached out to touch the baby giraffe, he gave me a tongue lick on the arm. Thank you, indeed!

How about riding a camel ($5 per ride)? Hello Princess of Arabia!

More fun kids activities at the fair
Learn how to shoot with a bow and arrow from an expert Native American chief. Get inside a tepee, participate in a hunt re-enactment, listen to old time songs and stories and buy beautiful crafts.

Enjoy the rides and yummy fair treats! My daughter really loved the caterpillar roller coaster.

Come to the Sparkleberry Fair fair for a wild family adventure!

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