AROUND LEXINGTON COUNTY

Are you ready for some of the best French fries, corn dogs and cotton candy in the world?

That time of year is fast approaching! The 150-year-old South Carolina State Fair comes to town October 9-20. All the magic and merriment will be in place for your enjoyment.

Among the new attractions are the 70-foot pendulum ride that loops 360 degrees and a big-top circus. About a half a million visitors are expected to attend this 12-day annual celebration. Whether you come just for the food or for the tradition, you can expect a fun-filled time.

There are other fall events this weekend that you won’t want to miss.

St. Alban’s Episcopal Church will celebrate fall with Oktoberfest October 5, 6-9 pm. The authentic German food is eat-in or take-out. Tickets range between $11 and $16. It’s all happening at 403 Park Rd. in Lexington.

Lexington United Methodist Church is sponsoring a Holiday Market October 5, 9 am-2 pm, at 309 E. Main St., Lexington. There will be local artisans, BBQ chicken, a bake sale, and more! Admission is free!

A fall fun attaction for families is the month-long Halloween adventure at the State Museum, which transforms to museums of Oz. It began Sept. 28 and runs through November 3.

The museum will be filled with the adventures of Oz, magic and excitement. Located just across the river, the museum is on Gervais Street in Columbia.

Travel back in history when our Lexington County Museum presents its 13th annual Haunted History Halloween program at 131 Fox Street, Lexington. You may attend either October 17 or 18 at 7, 8 or 9 pm.

Museum Director J.R. Fennell says it is a geat way to learn about Lexington history while having fun. Make reservations by calling 359-8369 or email JRFennell@lexco.com .

Robin Bowers of Mission Lexington says

October has been renamed “Socktober” because it’s the month-Mission Lexington restocks its shelves with socks and underclothing. To help with a clothing drive, email christie@missionlexington.org or call 803-957-6656 ext. 233.

Robins reminds you to mark December 5 on your calendars for the 4th annual Mission Lexington Trunk Show. It will be held at 5 pm at Lexington’s Old MIll, 711 E. Main St.

Anne Bull reports on those attending the last Lexington Live Concert for the season. They were Brenda and Mack Maxwell, Nancy and Chuck Dunlap, Carol and Calvin Rewis, Kathy Maness, Jean Dyson, Susan Wright, Nan and Don Aull, Lilliana Rustics Seibert and Tim Grimes.

Happy birthday to Chris Farley, Jonathan Acosta, Hayden Ifkovitz, Hiroko Shimizun, Nathaniel Kempf, Al Altenberg, Sharon MackIntosh, Macenzie Davis, Traci Kaiser, Bryan Shane, Chappell Lackore, Greg Peck,Tracy Rouillard, Whit Spence, Grenda Tucker, Jake Bachman, Wanda Broome, Susan Caton, Macey Coats, Billy Osborne, Roger Schwind, David Broome, Ryan Hawsey, Brian Hunter, Roy Welch, and Lynne Lee.

Thelma Powell Strother celebrated a very special 100th birthday celebration Sept. 21. She was escorted in a parade from her home on Hendrix Street to the Rosenwald Community Learning Center. Many guests gathered to offer their blessings and best wishes. Following brief remarks and music, birthday cake was served and enjoyed by all.