FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

2025 South Carolina State Fair Kicks Off with Annual Celebrity Boiled Peanut Eating Contest

COLUMBIA, SC – The South Carolina State Fair will officially begin on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, with its beloved Opening Day tradition:  the Blowfish SC State Fair Celebrity Boiled Peanut Eating Contest. Local celebrities will go head-to-head to determine the Midlands’ top boiled peanut connoisseur.

The contest is a highlight of the fair’s opening day, drawing crowds of spectators eager to see their favorite media personalities battle for the coveted Golden Boiled Peanut Award. This year’s event promises a mix of familiar faces and newcomers, all vying to take down last year’s champion WACH TV’s Brian McConchie in a shell-shucking showdown. The competition will be hosted near the Ellison Building on the Academic Avenue Stage, promising a fun-filled afternoon for the whole family.

“This contest is the perfect way to kick off the fair and celebrate one of our state’s most iconic snacks,” said Nancy Smith, Director of the South Carolina State Fair. “It’s a fantastic event that brings together local talent for some lighthearted fun.” Blowfish owner Bill Shanahan said “Boiled Peanuts are the State of South Carolina’s Official Snack Food.  Plus the peanuts used in the contest are grown right here at Rawl Farms in Lexington County!”

The competition rules are simple: each participant will be given a specific number of fresh, warm boiled peanuts grown at Rawl Farms. Known as the fastest two minutes in sports (apologies to the Kentucky Derby)The peanut shells will be counted at the end of the contest and the judges will be declare the winner and be awarded the coveted Golden Boiled Peanut Award created by Colluci Custom Awards in Irmo, SC.

Celebrity Lineup: Emcee WCOS Jonathon Rush (1^st ever Champion),

Judges Richland County Sheriff Leon Lott, Lexington County Sheriff Jay Koon (Both past winners and Boiled Peanut Hall of Famers) and SC State Fair GM Nancy Smith and special celebrity judge -Chef Sandra Lee, Defending Champion WACH TV Brian McConchie will look to go back to back, WIS TV Rick Henry, ABC Columbia Tyler Ryan, 97.5 WCOS Kelly Nash, along with first year contestants WLTX TV Reggie Anderson, 100.7 The Point Radio Kasie Whitener and PCW Wrestling Majority Owner Liam Van Zant.

What: 6^th Annual Blowfish SC State Fair Celebrity Boiled Peanut Eating Contest
When: Wednesday, October 8, 2025 at 5:30 p.m.
Where: Academic Avenue Stage-  South Carolina State Fairgrounds .

The South Carolina State Fair will run from October 8–19, 2025, with discounted tickets and event details available at scstatefair.org.