Sandra Lee Takes Part in Magical ‘Pink Witch Walk’ for Breast Cancer Awareness at the South Carolina State Fair (EXCLUSIVE)
Plus, the inspiring story of how general manager Nancy Smith created a joyful way to honor her beloved sister—and thousands of other women
Every October, the South Carolina State Fair comes alive with laughter, lights and the joyful hum of tradition—but for fair general manager Nancy Smith (the first woman to hold the position in 150 years), the event carries a deeper, more personal meaning. Long before she was running the fair, Nancy was a little girl piled into the family station wagon with her father and four sisters, excited for a day of Ferris wheel rides, sweet treats and togetherness. That annual ritual planted the seeds for a lifelong love of the fair—and later, a mission of purpose.
In 1988, Nancy’s sister, Alacia, passed away at just 40 after a seven-month battle with breast cancer. The loss left Nancy heartbroken but determined to do something meaningful in her sister’s honor. She poured her energy into volunteering at the fair—a place her sister loved—and eventually helped create the Ride of Your Life scholarship program. After becoming the full-time director of entertainment and exhibits in 2000, Nancy helped align the national Walk for Life breast cancer fundraiser with fair week each year. By 2014, she helped launch “Pink Fair,” inviting everyone to wear pink shirts from the walk for free admission—a joyful tribute to survivors and loved ones lost.
Today, under Nancy’s leadership as general manager, the fair stands as a beacon of community and compassion, transforming awareness into action and grief into hope. This year, that giving spirit took on a magical twist.
On October 8, the South Carolina State Fair transformed into a pink-tinted cauldron of hope as breast cancer survivors and supporters donned sparkling black witch hats with pink accents. The inaugural “Pink Witch Walk” and photo shoot brought together around 15 survivors and supporters from Prisma Health’s Famously Hot Pink events for a day filled with inspiration, laughter and community.
Sandra Lee joined the march
Earlier this year, Nancy’s path crossed with beloved chef, bestselling author and Semi-Homemade founder, Sandra Lee through the International Association of Fairs and Expositions. The fair can make an even bigger impact, Nancy realized after speaking with Sandra, who is a 10-year breast cancer survivor herself.
The duo quickly formed a friendship and came up with the idea for a whimsical “Pink Witch” event. “It came about as a combination of how we acknowledge breast cancer awareness with pink in October and how so many women before us were celebrated herbalists—some say witches. Combining the two felt like the perfect October initiative,” Sandra told Woman’s World.
“After talking with Sandra earlier this year and knowing she’d be here during the fair, we came up with this idea to celebrate these incredible women—the timing was just perfect,” Nancy said. “I participated in the Pink Witch Walk in memory of my sister. I miss her deeply but am so thankful for survivors like Sandra Lee, who is always finding unique ways to educate and raise awareness about curing this disease. Being with other ‘Pink Witches’ for a great cause was truly inspiring. Who would’ve dreamed 37 years later, and through the fair, I’d have an avenue for Alacia’s voice to be heard. My sister is smiling down on all of it!”
Participants described the walk as empowering, uplifting and filled with hope. Betsy Cooper, diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019, shared, “The Pink Witch Walk with Sandra was so much fun! My last radiation treatment was the Monday before the fair started on Wednesday. I have been totally blessed by God for the timing of my diagnosis, the support of this fair and my family, and the opportunity to meet fellow breast cancer survivors such as the wonderful, energetic and totally fun Sandra Lee.”
Added survivor Michele Gaimey, “The Pink Witch Walk filled me with hope, strength and connection—a beautiful reminder that breast cancer can’t steal our sparkle.”
Keep the magic going on October 11
Continuing the spirit of the Pink Witch Walk, the 35th annual Walk for Life & Famously Pink 10K + 5K takes place Saturday, October 11. Participants will wear their pink shirts to honor survivors, raise awareness and support the Prisma Health Midlands Foundation’s flagship fundraiser for the Prisma Health Breast Center in Columbia. Whether it’s the kids’ fun run (at 7:45am), the 10K or 5K race (8:10am) or the walk (8:15am), all participants will also receive free admission to the SC State Fair on October 12.
Over the past three decades, thousands of walkers and runners have raised more than $12.6 million to fund state-of-the-art digital mammography and essential services for breast cancer patients and their families. The 35th Walk for Life’s proceeds will fund equipment on Prisma Health’s Richland campus to further increase access to diagnostic mammography patients. The proceeds will fund two ultrasound units, two ultrasound exam tables and one 3D mammography unit.
“The race and walk celebrate survivors and lift up those currently in the fight against breast cancer,” Smith said. “We’ve long recognized Breast Cancer Awareness at the Fair. Back in 2014, we launched ‘Pink Fair,’ when attendees began wearing their pink shirts from the Walk for Life and the Famously Hot Pink 10K and 5K, held every October around fair time. This year, having Sandra Lee join us brought the celebration to a whole new level.”
From magical pink witches to thousands of walkers raising funds and awareness, the South Carolina State Fair and Sandra Lee continue to shine as symbols of hope, courage and community for everyone touched by breast cancer.
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