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LADSON, S.C. (WCSC) - The Coastal Carolina Fair concluded its 68th year Sunday at Ladson Exchange Park, with organizers emphasizing the event’s charitable mission and family fun.

The fair featured 65 rides across 180 acres, along with classic games, food vendors and a petting zoo that welcomed a new baby donkey.

“Why we have the fair here is to give to charities in the local Tri-County area,” Coastal Carolina Fair President Fred Whittle said.

Robert Patterson, owner of Top Shelf Catering and Beverage and Special Ops Events, said sales were up double digits this year.

“Every time we win, the community wins,” Patterson said. “When we’re up in sales, that gives us more proceeds to be able to give to those local charities. So, it has been a huge success.”

But the fair isn’t about profit. The fair runs on volunteers who say they get paid in a different way.

“The joy on the faces of children is the thing that is my pay. And I’m not paid as a volunteer. But that certainly is a rewarding thing for us to see.” Whittle said.

The baby donkey was already out, greeting visitors on the final day.

“I came out and I saw feet. So I knew I had to step in and help her, and it’s a healthy little girl,” Charles Beam, owner of All American Petting Zoo, said.

Local vendors said the fair provides both business opportunities and community connections.

“I make a living, so I keep coming back, plus all the directors here, they’re beautiful people,” John Koutoufaris, owner of John Greek Food Concessions, said.

While today was the final day of the fair, several people said this is proof that when a community comes together for fun, everyone wins, especially the local charities helping those in need with the donations.

LADSON — The Coastal Carolina Fair is back through Nov. 9 with rip-roaring rides, snazzy sideshows and tantalizing treats.

We traveled to the Exchange Park Fairgrounds in Ladson to try some of this year's new and classic offerings. Here are eight foods you should be taste-testing this year.

Campfire Burger

DeAnna's Diner, $17

Always stuck choosing between a hot dog or a hamburger? At the fair you can have both in one bite, as well as some baked beans, when you order the new Campfire Burger from DeAnna's Diner.

It's triple the meat flavor, and a favorite so far this year, said Kristin Hagy, who's been traveling around with the family business her whole life from fair to fair. Her mom and dad started it all, and the kids now each have their own trailer.

"We're always trying to innovate," said Hagy, citing the also-popular Donut Burger that's a fun mix of savory and sweet. The Mac and Cheese Burger is her personal favorite, with a chili add-on.

Hagy said she's also gotten to enjoy some Lowcountry cuisine while she's been in town so far, including a meat plate at Lewis Barbecue.

Philly Cheesesteak Grilled Cheese

Girl'd Cheese, $13

Also new this year is the Girl'd Cheese truck, where you can find a variety of fun and classic grilled cheese options. The most popular item tops the list: the Philly Cheesesteak Grilled Cheese. And it's just that, a perfect cross between the two with thick slices of crispy toast, peppers, onions, cheese and thinly sliced steak.

Turkey leg

Cox Barbecue, $21

Though it's on the pricier side, this fair classic is certainly worth it. Smoked for over an hour on the charcoal grill right in front of you, these turkey legs are known for being some of the best at the Coastal Carolina Fair. And there's enough meat on one of them to feed the whole family.

Hot Honey Jalapeno Popper Donut

Fluffy's, $10

If you're feeling a bit adventurous, this one's for you. The perfect blend of spicy and sweet, this donut is a crazy but delicious one. It's made with homemade whipped jalapeno cream cheese, crumbled bacon, grilled pickled jalapenos and hot honey drizzled on top. Get a little bit of each in your bite for the perfect balance, with that sweet, fluffy donut underneath.

If you want a sweet option, as well, you can also choose from the Fruity Pebbles, Maple Bacon, and Peanut Butter and Jelly, among plenty of others.

Cheerwine Dream Float

Moose Joose Slush/Slush Works Bar, $16

You can't hit the fair circuit without staying hydrated, and this stand is the way to do it. Mega-slushes await, and the newest one this year is the Cheerwine Dream Float, a cherry-flavored delight topped with whipped cream and a red velvet cake pop.

It was so popular at Columbia's South Carolina State Fair that they brought it down here, according to 24-year-old vendor Gracey Meyster, who's been traveling full-time from fair to fair since 2017. She said she loves it, though this fair is the last stop of her rotation until February; she gets to hibernate through the winter.

Nashville Hot Fried Pickle Spears

Dr. Vegetable, $14

I mean it's Dr. Vegetable, so it must be healthy right? Maybe not, but this stand certainly has some interesting takes on veggie snacks. New this year are the Nashville Hot Fried Pickle spears, served with a side of ranch if you need to cool it down and an extra tub of hot sauce if you need to spice it up.

Though the spice is a slow burn, hitting you later than you expect, it was certainly enough for me. I even opted for a few ranch dips to offset the bright neon orange layer sprinkled atop the fried spears. I would definitely get these again.

Loaded Popcorn Chicken Sundae

Chester's Gators and Taters, $15

Another bite I would order again in a heartbeat is the Loaded Popcorn Chicken Sundae, a cup stacked with creamy mac and cheese, crispy popcorn chicken, with bacon cheddar and ranch. It's like a wild, creamy and dreamy version of nachos. At this stand, you can also try fried gator bites if you're brave enough.

Deep Fried Cookie Dough

Deep Fried Sweets, $10

The fair is all about fried foods. So you simply must opt for a deep-fried dessert, whether you choose a candy bar like a Snickers or Milky Way or go with the cookie dough or Oreos.

The cookie dough is my favorite, with a crunchy outer shell and gooey middle. You get three bites, all sprinkled with powdered sugar. If you're splitting this one, you'll have to fight over who gets that last one.