Wednesday, May 15, 2024 (1:59 pm)

OC Fair & Event Center needs employees who are looking for terrific summer jobs and a fun way to earn some income. The theme of this year’s Fair is “Always a Good Time!”

About 750 seasonal employees are needed for the 2024 OC Fair. Job postings are available at ocfair.com/jobs for people 16 and older. Hiring has begun for several positions, with some start dates closer to the 2024 OC Fair, July 19-Aug. 18.

OC Fair & Event Center will be hosting a hiring event on June 8 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside the administration building at the corner of Arlington Drive and Fairview Road, Costa Mesa. Applications are required and must be submitted before the event. On-site interviews will take place. Resumes will be accepted, but are not required. To view open positions and apply, visit ocfair.com/jobs.

Most open positions are seasonal, part-time with opportunities to build exhibits, work as a ticket taker, administrative assistant or customer service representative. Departments such as parking, security, janitorial, landscaping, maintenance and admissions are also seeking workers. There are also some year-round jobs available.

Perks include free admission to the OC Fair and the option to purchase discounted tickets for friends and family.

For more information, visit ocfair.com/jobs or contact the human resources department at 714-708-1563, Monday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

ABOUT THE 2024 OC FAIR

“Always a Good Time” is the theme of this year’s OC Fair, July 19-Aug. 18. Hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday; 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday.

Tickets are on sale now for Fair admission, the carnival and performances in Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar and Action Sports Arena.

Again this year, the Fair will limit daily attendance and require that tickets be purchased online in advance for specific days – no fees. The Every Day Passport provides admission any day or every day of the Fair for $60 with no restrictions. Quantities are limited.

For more information, visit ocfair.com.

OC Fair photos and video are available for media use at ocfair.com/newsroom.

OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, California, is home to the annual OC Fair. Year-round attractions include Centennial Farm, Table of Dignity, Heroes Hall and Pacific Amphitheatre. OC Fair & Event Center also hosts year-round events. For more information, visit ocfair.com.

Support of OC Fair & Event Center provides year-round educational opportunities and helps fund community give-back programs.

Thursday, May 2, 2024 (3:19 pm)

Calling all artists, growers and creators! OC Fair’s competition entry deadlines are quickly approaching.

For the 2024 OC Fair, everyone is invited to showcase their talents by participating in more than 20 competitions in the visual arts, culinary, home arts and hobbies, wine, horticulture and livestock categories.

Competitions this year include:

Visual Arts
Fine Arts
Photography
Collections
Fiber Arts
Jewelry Arts
Woodworking
Container Plants
Cut Flowers
Floral Arrangements
Fruits & Vegetables
Pressed Botanicals
Bars & Brownies
Cookies
Honey
Pies & Cheesecakes
Preserved Food & Liqueur
Sugar Arts & Confections
Yeast & Quick Breads
Commercial Wine
Home Wine
Breeding Livestock Shows
Market Livestock Shows

There are also designated divisions and separate competitions for youth.

Deadlines for entries vary based on category. Competition Guides are available at ocfair.com/competitions. The guides detail rules, regulations, important dates and more. Some competitions are free to enter.

The first 2024 deadline for commercial wines, is slated to close May 17. Table settings, a fan favorite, has exceeded entries and is now closed.

Results for the 2023 OC Fair Competitions are available at ocfair.com/oc-fair/competitions-contests/results/.

ABOUT THE 2024 OC FAIR

“Always a Good Time” is the theme of this year’s OC Fair, which takes place July 19-Aug. 18. Hours: 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday; 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday.

Again this year, the Fair will limit daily attendance and require that tickets be purchased online in advance for specific days – no fees. The Every Day Passport provides admission any day or every day of the Fair for $60 with no restrictions. Quantities are limited.

Tickets are on sale now for the 2024 OC Fair, the carnival and performances in Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar and Action Sports Arena.

For more information, visit ocfair.com. 

Monday, April 29, 2024 (11:09 am)

OC Fair & Event Center embarked on a momentous journey with the groundbreaking ceremony for the Administration Building expansion, phase 1 of the 10-phase Master Site Plan.

With shovels in hand, representatives from California Construction Authority, Barnhart-Reese Construction Inc. and LPA Design Studios symbolically dug into the soil, paving the way for innovative growth and enhanced capabilities.

This expansion not only promises a physical space, but a beacon of progress and possibility, amplifying the organization’s role as a hub for creativity, culture and connection.

California Construction Authority representatives
Josh Brones        Chief Operations Officer
Sean Slay          Project Manager
Tom Stevens      Project Manager
Krystal Toledo      Project Coordinator
Bren Walker        Program Manager

Barnhart-Reese Construction Inc. representatives
Chuck McArthur    Executive VP
Dave Christensen   General Superintendent
Jeff Stratton         Project Manager
Mike Rintoul         Project Engineer 

LPA Design Studios representatives
Jim Wirick
Denise Mendelssohn
Kyle Griffin
Justin Argomaniz
Nicole Fennell
Amy DiCosola
Sonaly Dudheker
Jessie Hong
Kitty Cheung
Greg Bistritz

Friday, April 26, 2024 (4:22 pm)

COSTA MESA (April 26, 2024) – On April 25, the OC Fair & Event Center Board of Directors proudly proclaimed April as Arab-American History Month. This special declaration was received by Nahla Kayali.

Nahla Kayali is a Palestinian refugee from Syria who founded the nonprofit organization Access California Services (AccessCal) in 1998. Each year, AccessCal serves approximately 12,000 underserved and vulnerable individuals, including immigrants and refugees.

The proclamation was presented by Director Dimetria Jackson and Director Natalie Rubalcava-Garcia, representing both the OC Fair Board of Directors and the 32nd District Agricultural Association.

(1:20 pm)

 Heroes Hall Museum is honored to announce the opening of its newest exhibit, “The Vietnam War through the Art & Photography of Ed Bowen.” This poignant display offers a profound glimpse into the Vietnam War through the eyes of combat artist Ed Bowen, showcasing more than 30 paintings and sketches alongside letters, memorabilia and photographs.

Born out of Bowen’s firsthand experiences as a combat artist during and after his tour of duty in Vietnam, this collection serves as a powerful testament to both his artistic prowess and the enduring impact of the conflict. Initially trained as a helicopter door-gunner upon his draft into the U.S. Army in 1967, Bowen’s talent soon led to his reassignment as a combat artist. Deployed to Vietnam as part of a specialized team, Bowen captured the realities of war while offering profound insights into its human toll and complexities.

A graduate of USC with a bachelor’s degree in fine art, Bowen’s artistic journey extended beyond the battlefield. Spending years as an art teacher in Orange County and venturing into the realm of jewelry design with a line of Christian jewelry.

Sadly, Bowen passed away in December 2023 after years of working with the museum to prepare for the exhibit’s opening. However, his indelible legacy lives on through this showcase, which stands as a heartfelt tribute to the artist, his family and his extensive network within the veteran community.

“The Vietnam War through the Art & Photography of Ed Bowen” exhibit will be on display at Heroes Hall through Dec. 22, 2024. Heroes Hall Museum is open year-round, Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission and parking are free. The second-floor exhibit, “The SAAAB Story,” is on permanent display at Heroes Hall.

Exhibit opening reception

An opening reception celebrating the life and artwork of Ed Bowen and the opening of “The Vietnam War through the Art & Photography of Ed Bowen” exhibit is scheduled for Saturday, May 11 from 4-6 p.m.

The event is free and includes guest speakers, music and refreshments. RSVPs are recommended.

When: Saturday, May 11, 4-6 p.m.
Where: Heroes Hall Museum Medal of Honor Courtyard at the OC Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa.
More info: RSVP at Heroes Hall opening reception