With a surge of fairgoers on its final weekend, the 2004 Orange County Fair set a new attendance record of 963,850, exceeding by 9.3% the previous
high mark of 898,197 set in 2002.

"There's a phrase going around the fairgrounds: "Lots of smiles on lots of faces,'" CEO Becky Bailey-Findley said. "That sort of theme and tone carried throughout the Fair…People have really enjoyed the attractions, the food, retail and exhibits, so it's been great."

Business-wise, the 2004 Fair was successful across the board.

Admission revenue was $3.6 million, up 9% from 2003's $3.3 million; parking revenue of $1,296,795 was up 15% from last year, and the new $10 Preferred Parking program was enjoyed by 23,142 drivers. The 88 food concessionaires (including the carnival) had sales of $7.5 million, 13% above last year's $6 million.

Ray Cammack Shows (RCS), the Fair's carnival contractor, grossed $4.5 million, a 22% increase over last year's total of $3.7 million. Top grossing rides were La Grande Wheel and the Sky Ride, while the most popular rides in the kiddie carnival were the Kite Flyer and Rocking Tugboat.

In its second year of new life, Pacific Amphitheatre was host to a succession of popular shows that attracted big audiences. They included Reba McEntire, Bill Cosby, Go-Go's and The Motels, Jackson Browne and Shawn Colvin, Jessica Simpson, and ZZ Top.

Fair visitors were able to enjoy free nightly entertainment in the Citizens Business Bank Arena, including five nights of "Weird Al" Yankovic, four nights of The Funk Brothers with guest singers, and four tribute bands. Other Arena attractions were Brian Beirne's 50th Anniversary of Rock n' Roll, the 29th annual Speedway Fair Derby and Freestyle Motocross Jumping, the 4th annual “Orange Crush” Demolition Derby, Domingos Alegres, Fiesta del Charro and bullriding.

The annual Junior Livestock Auction raised $193,287 from sale of 296 animals, compared with 2003's sale of 292 animals for $196,451. Proceeds benefit the 4-H and FFA members who raised the animals.

The Fair's first Summer Book Drive, conducted with the Los Angeles Times' Reading by 9 program, was an overwhelming success, yielding donations of 29,611 books from 8,893 Fair patrons. Each donor received free Fair admission and one carnival ride, courtesy of Ray Cammack Shows; the books will be distributed to Orange County public schools.

In addition, 5,987 fairgoers each donated five nonperishable food items in exchange for free Fair admission during the Jammin' for Hunger Canned Food Drive on July 21. The 30,590 pounds of food will go to the Second Harvest Food Bank which works with other local agencies in fighting hunger.

"I'm pleased to say that everything added up to a spectacular Fair," CEO Becky Bailey-Findley said. "Through the hard work and dedication of the total Fair organization, we had a very successful event."