 COLUMBIA, S.C. AP - Fans can watch Septembers NASCAR race at Darlington in person and have a four-course meal while watching a medieval jousting tournament thanks to exceptions granted to South Carolinas rule banning gatherings of more than 250 people during the COVID-19 pandemic. At least 71 events have been given permission to draw the larger crowds, according to the South Carolina Department of Commerce, which reviews the requests. Some are mutliday versions of the same event or concerts. Some are shows at Myrtle Beach like the Medieval Times dinner and jousting competition. There are sporting tournaments for children and the Showstopper Dance Competition. A bridal expo in Florence is a go, as well as the South Carolina Farm Bureaus annual meeting. Gov. Henry McMaster lifted the ban on gatherings of up to 250 people on Aug. 3, but allowed anyone who wanted to have more people to ask the states business agency for an exception. The Commerce Department requires any group with a large gathering to require masks and detail other ways they can keep the crowd safe from COVID-19. The agency said it also consults health officials. The Southern 500 NASCAR race at Darlington Raceway is the only large scale sporting event given permission to have fans so far. The track hosted NASCARs first race after the pandemic in May with no one in the stands. College football teams also expect to ask to bring in at least some fans for games starting next month. The list was first reported by The Post and Courier of Charleston. The larger crowds come as South Carolinas COVID-19 outbreak appears to have ended nearly two months of rapid spread. The virus hasnt stopped - there were 1,265 newly diagnosed cases Friday, according to the South Carolina Department of Health and... 