South Greenville fair returns this weekend in memory of community leader Rodger Terry

The 69th Annual South Greenville Fair returns to downtown Simpsonville on Friday, Sept. 18, and Saturday, Sept. 19, bringing livestock rings, homegrown agriculture, and family fellowship back to the grounds of Simpsonville Methodist Church at 215 S.E. Main St.

This year’s event holds special significance as organizers dedicate the 2026 fair in loving memory of Mr. Rodger “PD” Glenn Terry, who passed away earlier this year.

Remembering Mr. Rodger “PD” Terry

A lifelong champion of youth development across the Golden Strip, Terry served as the Fountain Inn Parks and Recreation Director for over three decades, from 1977 to 2008. Known affectionately throughout the Upstate community as “PD,” he dedicated his life to mentoring young people, building recreational programs, and encouraging youth sports and local community traditions.

His deep commitment to local youth extended into officiating for both Fountain Inn and Simpsonville recreation programs, serving on community boards, and championing events that brought area families together. Honoring Terry at the 2026 South Greenville Fair celebrates his decades-long legacy of selfless community service, mentorship, and support for the next generation.

Friday, Sept. 18

• Fair Queen coronation kicks off opening evening: Gates open to the public at 5 p.m., with community pageantry leading off the festivities at 5:15 p.m. as organizers crown the 2026 South Greenville Fair Queen to officially launch the weekend.

• Youth goat and rabbit shows take the ring: Ring competitions get underway quickly Friday night, beginning with the youth and open goat show at 5:30 p.m., followed immediately by youth rabbit show judging at 6:00 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 19

• Dairy cattle competition starts Saturday morning: Fairgrounds reopen early at 8:30 a.m. for a packed day of exhibitions, launching the ring events at 9:00 a.m. with the annual dairy cattle show featuring showmanship and breed classes.

• Noon beef cattle show highlights 4-H and FFA showmanship: Beginning at 12:00 p.m., the livestock arena fills for the 4-H and FFA beef cattle show, spanning age divisions from Cloverbud through Senior showmanship, alongside bucket calf, feeder steer, and breed competitions.

Community exhibits and event details

Alongside outdoor livestock judging, church halls will house competitive exhibits celebrating the region’s growers and artisans. Categories feature blue-ribbon divisions for garden produce, field crops, cut florals, home canning, baked goods, needlework, and youth creative arts.

Admission to the fairgrounds is open to the public. Community members seeking entry schedules or additional details can visit southgreenvillefair.com or contact fair organizers directly at 864-270-9274