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Media Forms

Photographs (approved for media use only)

This section provides our media with a resource to download pictures that tell our story. Our media are authorized full utilization of any picture(s) for advertising and stories related to Fair operations. The pictures are provided by Fair member, Tom Botchie, as Photography Chairman.

Photos can be found here.

Introduction and Contact Information

This site is designed as a resource for exclusive use by our local, regional and national news media in providing coverage of The Exchange Club of Charleston’s Coastal Carolina Fair. It provides information that is designed to be helpful by providing contacts, general information pictures, and logistics for operating in the Fair environment. Information to access this site will be authorized by the Chairman of Media Relations and should save you time in gathering generic information regarding activities at the Fair. The Fair’s website will provide information regarding current activities for both the public and the media.

Website: www.coastalcarolinafair.org

Contact:

Jay Wallace, Chairman Media Services/Public Relations

Phone (843) 572-3161 Office
Fax (843) 572-3126 Office
Cell (843) 259-1660
Email media@coastalcarolinafair.org

Safety

At all times safety is our first priority. No activities on our grounds are considered until a review of the activity and its affect on safety is considered, safety is a year round job at the Fair. Procedures and safety policies are in place to ensure the safety of any person who will be present on our grounds before, during or after the operation of the Fair. The Coastal Carolina Fair contracts with selected companies and public officials to ensure our goal of being the safest Fair anywhere. The following is a part of our efforts:

A. Public Safety (Police) - The Fair contracts its law enforcement activities with the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office. Paid off duty deputies are present on the grounds before and after the operation of the Fair. These officers have full legal authority on our grounds. Their operations are managed from a security office at Gate 4 and from the Caboose located across from Gate 1. In addition, walking patrols are present throughout the grounds. Security cameras at undisclosed locations aid these professionals in the conduct of their duties. The Fair has designated two club members as Chairman and Co-Chairman to coordinate police activities.

B. First Aid Services - Trident Health System provides volunteer personnel (trained EMS professionals) to treat unexpected illness or injuries on the grounds. The Fair provides them an office at Gate 4 (next door to public safety) and a specifically designated emergency cart for mobility. These professionals are on grounds during the operating hours of the Fair.

C. Fire - The C&B Fire Department has personnel on grounds to assist EMS and to provide services in the unlikely event of a fire. These professionals are present during operating hours of the Fair.

D. Safety Inspectors - The Fair contracts the services of a professional inspection firm to evaluate all carnival rides and the grounds as a whole to advise and correct any potential safety issues. These professionals are on grounds prior to the Fair opening and during the operating hours of the Fair. The Fair has three club members designated as safety coordinators who work with these professionals to ensure a safe operation.

The Fair is proud of its safety record. You in the media are important to us in this process. We appreciate your efforts related to the proper management of your equipment and activities on our grounds.

Annual Giving to the Community

In addition to providing scholarships and community service programs, the Fair begins accepting grant applications from IRS approved Not-for-Profits each December with a stated deadline for submission for funding each year. Applications are reviewed by the AIMS Committee (a committee appointed by the Club Board) that makes cash and in-kind rewards based on the resulting annual profits from the previous Fair operations. This is a formal process by the appointed club members, is based on the needs of applicant and availability of Fair funds.

Over the years, the Club / Fair has funded over 300 organizations. Some of the organizations that have been awarded funding over the years include but are not limited to the following:

Grant Awards Historically Funded in the Tri-County Area

Hospice Programs

Meals on Wheels Programs

Tri-County Area Shelters

American Lung Association - S.C.

Association for the Blind

Barrier Island Free Medical Clinic

Child Mentoring Programs

Berkeley Kids Who Care Programs

Various Animal Shelters

C&B Volunteer Fire Department

Camp Happy Days

Canterbury House

Carolina Canines for Service

Senior Citizens Programs

Jewish Social Services

Charleston Southern University Nursing Program

Christ Episcopal Services

Clemson Extension Services

Boy Scouts

Girl Scouts

Coastal Crisis Chaplaincy

Crisis Ministries

Darkness to Light

Dorchester Habitat for Humanity

Honor Flight Society

Jacksonboro Community Center

Lowcountry Food Bank

Dee Norton Lowcountry Children’s Center

Lowcountry Orphan Relief

Make-A-Wish Foundation

My Sister’s House

Rural Mission

Berkeley Rescue

Star Gospel Mission

Summerville Miracle League

Teachers Supply Closet

Trident Literacy Programs

Autism Programs

St. George Civic Services

Other Charity Groups

The Exchange Club of Charleston can be called the “Enabler.” Our funding enables groups that provide charitable and civic services to our tri-county community to continue their good works.

Fairgrounds

Fair profits, in addition to funding charitable groups and civic community activities, are used to maintain and improve the Fair grounds and its’ many facilities. The Coastal Carolina Fair is committed to providing a quality product to its customers. It is our vision to be the safest, cleanest and most enjoyable Fair anywhere. To accomplish our vision and goals, it is necessary to maintain and improve the grounds and many buildings that encompass our 165 acre facility. As with any business, costs can well exceed $1 million dollars each year. These costs include the following:

A. Electrical
B. Plumbing
C. Landscaping
D. Painting
E. Maintenance and improvements to parking and walkways
F. Insurance services
G. Replacement or capital improvements to buildings
H. Safety reviews and changes where necessary

We are nationally recognized for our efforts in providing our public the best in facilities and grounds. The Exchange Park (home of the Coastal Carolina Fair) provides rental opportunities to commercial, media, and civic activities during the year. Over the years the grounds have seen RV groups, Christmas shows, Gun & Knife shows, and other commercial activities utilizing buildings and grounds with acres of parking.

Navigating the Fair / Media Forms

Our Media & Public Relations Committee was established to assist the media in reporting Fair operations to the public. We are committed to providing you the necessary assistance and guidance to do your job. We are available year round to answer your questions, provide interviews and offer general directions related to your coverage. We promise you truthful, correct and detailed information. The committee works with your news division only and should not be confused with paid advertising. Paid advertising is provided by our Advertising Committee and a contracted advertising agency.

Access to the grounds:

A. There are two types of access to our grounds. Both types of working access to the grounds begin through our pass office located at Gate 1 for those who will be walking the grounds. Media trucks will enter through our service gate designated as Gate 3. The first type of access is during the non-operating hours of the Fair, when general public is not afforded access unless conducting business of the Fair. Your name must be on an approved pass list provided by your media management. A form is provided for your management to list individuals working the Fair. The completed form will be filed in the pass office to verify your identification. If your name does not appear on an approved list, the pass office will contact a Media & Public Relations Representative to meet with you. (Please do not assume you will be admitted based solely on facial recognition; your name must be on the list except for specific approved circumstances.) If you are present in a working capacity you will not be turned away. We will always welcome you to our grounds. We do respectfully request that only media who are present for a working purpose utilize this service. Family members and friends must have an admission ticket to enter the grounds and are not authorized entry during non-operating hours. For liability reasons and your safety, you must meet with a member of the Media & Public Relations Committee before walking the grounds during non-operating hours. It should be apparent to you the need for us to coordinate your visit while other equipment and vehicles are working to open the Fair. Most media professionals appreciate our assistance in helping them gain access to certain areas (safety being our primary concern). Vehicles entering Gate 3 will be escorted to their designated locations. We promise, to do our best to make your job as “hassle free” as possible.

B. The second type of access to the Fair is during the operating hours of the Fair when the general public is present. You are free to walk the grounds in those areas open to the general public. You must be accompanied by a member of the Media & Public Relations Committee to access behind the scenes areas. This is to ensure your safety and that our customers. For safety reasons, be aware of your tripods and other equipment ensuring you are creating a trip and fall hazard. The form that should be completed by your management is available on this website or from the Public Relations Office at the Fair. It should be forwarded to the Media & Public Relations Committee. Know that we are here to assist you in any way to get your story.

Site Visits to the Fair:
Advance notice when you wish to visit the Fair for a quick story allows us to schedule you for your story and/or film project and saves you time. The earlier you notify us the better we can accommodate you.

Other Forms-Daily Schedule
The management of selected TV and Radio groups who will be working at a permanent location during the run of the Fair are requested to provide a daily schedule. This single form provides Fair Management with information that allows us to meet any special requests or needs. It includes the opportunity for you to advise us on the days you will be on-grounds; the types of activities you will be involved with; your hours of operation; (in the case of radio) the stations that will be represented on grounds and which on air-personalities will be visiting. The form will be considered your best estimate and does not constitute a contractual commitment on your part.

Other Forms-Contact Info
This provides information on contact personnel for the Fair and Media. All forms can be downloaded for your convenience or made available to you prior to and during the Fair at the Media & Public Relations Office.