COLUMBIA, S.C. — Here's something you probably didn't know was at the state fair: Chaplains. Retired and existing pastors of local churches volunteer their time to walk around the fairgrounds, make conversation and pray for people.
So while the South Carolina State Fair has it's share of rides, laughter and noise, there are also quiet moments for prayer and conversation.
"Our chaplains are just here for the people. We're here for the workers, we're here for anybody that might would want to have someone pray with them, or just have somebody to talk to," said Lee Butler, mission strategist at Lexington Baptist Association.
Nine to ten chaplains have been roaming the fairgrounds for over two decades every year at the SC State Fair.
This year, you can scan this QR code to get in touch with a chaplain right away for prayer requests.
This is thanks to a partnership between the fair, the Lexington Baptist Association and the Columbia Metro Baptist Association.
Butler tells News 19 their state fair ministry has two components: One being pre-fair and the other during.
Beforehand, these chaplains give fair workers food and drinks, and also bring in nurses for health screenings.
"We have hygiene kits that we pass out to the workers. We have coffee and conversation. The churches just bring sweets on top of sweets, so we have a lot of desserts that we can offer them," Butler said.
He explains It's all about forming genuine relationships.
"They're on the road all the time and they stay here these 12 days, as well as our concessionaires that come to sell their things at the fair, and quite a few others, so having a ministry like away from home is just really a unique opportunity," said Nancy Smith, general manager of the SC State Fair.
Fairgoers and exhibition organizers tell News 19 they love the concept.
"Pastors praying for people is, that's a very good thing, letting people know about Jesus and what Jesus can do for you," Shane Wiles, Elloree resident said.
"As far as I'm concerned, we need a little bit more God in our country," said David Luton, national representative for Patriotic Productions.
These chaplains spend at least two to three hours a day at the fair and typically catch people sitting down to eat or looking at exhibits.