Monday, February 10, 2025 (12:03 pm)

The OC Fair & Event Center Board of Directors is seeking public comments on a draft five-year strategic plan to determine the future direction of the state-owned property.

The Board is considering the following: technology infrastructure, community and guest preferences, the Master Site Plan, self-produced revenue streams, process and operational improvements, and programming and business opportunities.

Please submit your comments using the online form by March 13.

* If viewing on mobile, please click here. 

Friday, February 7, 2025 (9:00 am)

The next Heroes Hall exhibit, “Echoes of Conflict: Remembering Vietnam,” offers a powerful and immersive journey through one of modern history’s most complex and divisive conflicts.

Through a rich collection of artifacts, personal stories, historical facts and poignant memorabilia, visitors will gain a deeper understanding of the war’s profound impact on the soldiers who fought and the broader global context.

The exhibit features items such as uniforms, weaponry, photographs and letters detailing firsthand accounts that highlight the cost of war and its lasting effects on individuals and society. This comprehensive display seeks to honor the experiences of those involved while providing historical insights into the war’s political, social and cultural repercussions.

As part of the exhibit, a speaker series featuring local veterans will highlight personal stories of war. This panel discussion with three Black Marines whose service spans from World War II to Desert Shield, will focus on their Vietnam War experiences. All three are members of the Montford Point Marines Association, which celebrates the first all-Black unit in the Marine Corps and its significant role in breaking racial barriers within the military.

The free event will take place March 1 from 2 to 3 p.m. at Heroes Hall. Participants will be 1st Sgt. Jack McDowell, Sgt. Maj. Leon Williams and Sgt. Maj. Charles Cook Jr.

1st Sgt. McDowell enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in April 1945. He served in the Pacific Theater during World War II and was a member of the Montford Point Marines. McDowell later fought in both the Korean War and Vietnam War. He retired from the military in 1971 with numerous awards, including the Bronze Star, three Purple Hearts and the Congressional Gold Medal. 

Sgt. Maj. Williams enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in 1951. He served in both the Korean War and Vietnam War and earned two Purple Hearts and the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal. Williams retired from the military in 1975. During his 24 years of service, he served at 20 duty stations. 

Sgt. Maj. Cook Jr. retired from the U.S. Marine Corps in January 2000 after a distinguished 30-year career. Enlisting in 1970, Cook served in Vietnam and Okinawa during the war. His awards include the Meritorious Service Medal and Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal. 

There will also be a special presentation by Justice Eileen Moore, former combat nurse in Vietnam. The free event is planned for March 29 from 2 to 3 p.m. at Heroes Hall.

“Lessons Learned from Vietnam Veterans” will shed light on the experiences of soldiers and those who treated them and helped them heal.

Moore was appointed to the Superior Court of California in 1989 and to the California Court of Appeal in 2000. She also practiced as a lawyer and as a registered nurse. Moore has been a tireless supporter of veterans and is a life member of Vietnam Veterans of America. She founded and chairs the Judicial Council’s Veterans and Military Families Committee, and serves on the Veterans Justice Commission, which works with Congress to improve the transition of military service members into civilian life.

Tuesday, January 28, 2025 (1:12 pm)

After more than 20 years of service at OC Fair & Event Center (OCFEC), top executive Michele Richards has announced that she will retire this spring prior to the 2025 OC Fair.

She was appointed as CEO by the Board of Directors in December 2019 and led the state agency through several key projects, including shepherding the organization through the pandemic, helping lead the Board of Directors through two multi-year strategic plans, introducing a master site plan for the property, delivering five of the most successful fairs in the organization’s history, and expanding OCFEC’s free public programs through Centennial Farm, Heroes Hall, Imaginology and now The Ranch Community Center.

Richards was instrumental in the OC Fair’s adoption of a new business model, unique to the industry, that places customer satisfaction and long-term financial stability above the race for ever-increasing attendance numbers. She believes it is important to reduce crowding at the Fair, to be a good neighbor to those living nearby, to responsibly manage the organization’s resources and ensure that safety remains a top priority.

Richards will be relocating to Georgia to take on a larger role in the care of family members.

“It has been a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to lead this organization, to serve the community and to bring so much happiness through the OC Fair, Centennial Farm, Heroes Hall and the many events and festivals that take place all year long,” said Richards. “It will be so hard to say goodbye to my friends, colleagues and partners who have been so important to me, but I know that OCFEC will be in great hands with solid plans and the financial stability to successfully move forward. It is now time to focus on my family and I am very fortunate to have the opportunity to do so.”

Now leading an organization of over 250 year-round full- and part-time employees and more than 1,500 seasonal workers that help put on the highly successful annual OC Fair, Richards previously served as the organization’s Vice President of Business Development for more than seven years, leading the marketing, communications, sponsorship, creative services, events and exhibits and education departments. She was also an organizational development consultant to OCFEC for 11 years before joining the staff.

Of her many accomplishments, Richards is most proud of building what she calls “the best team in the fair industry” which she credits with going above and beyond to serve the community and create new experiences. “I’ve been so blessed to be able to lead smart and creative people, harness their ideas into reality and celebrate with them as we bring joy to so many in the community through our entertainment, educational and community support programs.”

Many changes to the OC Fairgrounds property are currently in the works following years of planning and public input including a new Master Site Plan that will make way for more educational opportunities and public access to animals and agriculture, helping to fulfill OCFEC’s mission, “Creating equitable community access to agriculture, entertainment, cultural and educational experiences.”

Another recent development is the implementation of a new vision for The Ranch Community Center. The 7.5-acre area of the fairgrounds is now operating under a new plan that provides access to horses and free or low-cost equine experiences while also setting aside space for private boarding and training. This new model opens the facility for greater public access and educational programs along with the continued boarding opportunities.

“Michele Richards has left an unforgettable mark on OC Fair & Event Center. Her leadership during challenging times, especially steering us through the global pandemic, exemplified the true essence of resilience and innovation,” said Board Chair Nick Kovacevich . “Under her guidance, OCFEC has not only weathered storms but has emerged stronger, with a business model focused on sustainability, community satisfaction and safety. As Michele steps away to dedicate her time to her family, she leaves behind an organization that is not just surviving but thriving, poised to seize new opportunities with enthusiasm. Her vision, dedication and heartfelt service have been the bedrock of our success. On behalf of the Board, our staff and the community we’ve served together, we express our profound gratitude to Michele.”

The Board has initiated a comprehensive search process to identify potential candidates for the CEO position.

Friday, January 10, 2025 (2:24 pm)

OC Fair & Event Center has not yet been activated as a large-animal evacuation site, but stands ready to assist as soon as notification is given by the California Office of Emergency Services. Coordinated efforts are important to keep animals and people safe during these devastating fires.

Here is a list of emergency services from LA County Animal Care:

Emergency Animal Shelter Information

Los Angeles County Fires: Due to the ongoing Palisades Fire and Eaton Fire in Los Angeles County, the following shelters are available for animals affected by the evacuation orders. Please note capacity details and staffing information:

Large Animals

Lancaster Animal Care Center 5210 W Ave I, Lancaster, CA 93536

Antelope Valley Fair 2551 W Avenue H, Lancaster, CA 93536

Industry Hills Expo 16200 Temple Ave, City of Industry, CA 91744

Capacity for 200 horses; not staffed by DACC

Pomona Fairplex 1101 W McKinley Ave, Pomona, CA 91768

Receiving horses only

Small Animals

Baldwin Park Animal Care Center 4275 Elton St, Baldwin Park, CA 91706

Carson Animal Care Center 216 W Victoria St, Gardena, CA 90248

Downey Animal Care Center 11258 Garfield Ave, Downey, CA 90242

Lancaster Animal Care Center 5210 W Ave I, Lancaster, CA 93536

Palmdale Animal Care Center 38550 Sierra Hwy, Palmdale, CA 93550

Need assistance evacuating? Call (562) 940-6898.

Saturday, December 7, 2024 (2:48 pm)

At its annual conference this month in Phoenix, the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE) announced that Ken Karns, chief operating officer  at OC Fair and Event Center, was
elected as board chair for 2025.

The industry association based in Springfield, MO, is a nonprofit serving state, provincial, regional and county agricultural fairs, shows, exhibitions and expositions.

Karns, who has been at OC Fair & Event Center (OCFEC) since 2016, started his career in the fair industry in the early 1990s at Western Fair in London, ON, Canada, where he began as the project supervisor working on its first master site plan.

Karns had many roles his 25-year career and is currently working on 
a master site plan for OCFEC. Over the years, he has been on many industry boards and committees and has served as a faculty member for IAFE’s Institute of Fair Management.

IAFE serves a large sector of the fair industry and members include state and provincial associations of fairs, nonagricultural expositions and festivals, associations, corporations and individuals engaged in providing products and services to its members.