Friday, November 19, 2021 (10:49 am)

The OC Fair & Event Center received six Awards of Excellence during the International Association of Fairs and Expositions 2021 Virtual Awards Show on Nov. 18.

First place awards honored OCFEC in the categories of online advertising and unique exhibits. Second place was given to the organization for miscellaneous marketing programs.

Three third place awards recognized OCFEC for out-of-the-box marketing, a newly established or evolving agriculture program and a technique to correct an issue or challenge to an agriculture program.

The industry awards were presented during the 2021 Virtual Awards Show on Zoom and Facebook Live. The International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE), based in Springfield, Mo., is a voluntary, nonprofit corporation, serving state, provincial, regional and county
agricultural fairs, shows, exhibitions and expositions.

Its associate members include state and provincial associations of fairs, non-agricultural expositions and festivals, associations, corporations and individuals engaged in providing products and services to its members, all of whom are interested in the improvement of fairs, shows, expositions and allied fields.

For more information, visit www.fairsandexpos.com

Thursday, November 18, 2021 (12:03 pm)

At its Nov. 18 meeting, the OC Fair Board of Directors revised its committee structure and added two new committees.

Leadership Committee:
• Chair La Belle and Vice Chair Pham
Purpose:
This committee provides executive support to the Board and acts on behalf of the full Board during emergency situations.
Focus:
• Consult with CEO
• Develop Board meeting agendas
• Address Board issues
• Conduct annual safety/security meeting
• Initiate strategic planning
• Complete the strategic planning process and provide ongoing monitoring

Financial Monitoring and Audit Committee:
• Director Kovacevich and Director Bagneris
Purpose:
This committee monitors the organization’s financial position and ensures financial controls are in place.
Focus:
• Monthly financial oversight
• Annual budget review
• Annual audit process
• Participate in the scoring process for key RFPs, including for carnival services

Facilities Committee:
• Director Ruiz and Director Aitken
Purpose:
This committee reviews buildings and grounds related projects and issues and recommends site planning direction
Focus:
• Construction projects
• Capital expenditures
• Master site planning

Governance Committee:
• Director Cervantes and Director Rubalcava-Garcia
Purpose:
This committee ensures compliance with all Board policies and regulatory requirements
Focus:
• Policy updates
• Bagley-Keene open meeting compliance
• Annual form 700 reporting
• Annual required Board training

Community Affairs Committee:
• Director Bagneris 
Purpose:
This committee oversees the Board’s relationship with the community
Focus:
• Diversity, equity and inclusion
• Community engagement
• Relationships with local, county and state officials

Entertainment and Business Development Committee – NEW
• Director Rubalcava-Garcia, Committee Chair; Director Cervantes
Purpose:
This committee, in coordination with staff, evaluates opportunities at all District entertainment venues and pursues business development opportunities
Focus:
• Pacific Amphitheatre programming enhancement opportunities
• Hangar and Action Sports Arena programming enhancement opportunities
• Development of year-round and fairtime business opportunities
• Utilizing Board contacts and relationships for sponsorship and new event sales opportunities

Governmental Relations Committee – NEW
• Director Aitken, Committee Chair; Director Pham
Purpose:
This committee evaluates opportunities for expanding programing with the county and cities in Orange County and monitors legislative matters.
Focus:
• Legislative monitoring
• Evaluate City and County programing opportunities
• Annual “State of the District” presentation
• Monitor the development of the Joint Powers Authority initiative

Centennial Farm Foundation Liaisons
• Director Kovacevich 

Heroes Hall Veterans Foundation Liaisons
• Director Cervantes and Chair La Belle

(11:54 am)

During November’s OC Fair & Event Center Board of Directors meeting, members paid tribute to Native American Heritage Month.

The presentation highlighted the contributions Native Americans have made to Orange County’s communities, education and heritage, and to agriculture throughout California.

View full presentation

Tuesday, November 16, 2021 (8:00 am)

COVID Testing

When: Mondays-Fridays, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m., through Dec. 31 (closed Saturdays & Sundays)

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot E (corner of Fairview and Arlington; enter at Gate 4)

How much: Free drive-through COVID-19 testing

More info: Make an appointment online. PCR test results take 24-48 hours.

Discovery Days at the Farm

Discovery Days at Centennial Farm are open to the public, and are perfect for mom groups, homeschool groups and more. Groups may participate in the following activities:

• Self-Guided Tours: Volunteers are present to provide information.
• Radish Seed Planting: Children will plant a radish seed to take back to school.
• Chick Education: Learn about the chick development process
• Oxen Demonstration: Demonstration days vary depending on the volunteers’ schedules.
• Crops Education: Seasonal varieties.
• See Livestock Animals: Swine, goats, sheep, cattle, rabbits, and poultry.

When: 9 a.m.-noon on the following dates
Tuesday, November 16, 2021
Thursday, November 18, 2021
Wednesday, December 1, 2021
Thursday, December 9, 2021
Friday, December 17, 2021

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm

How much: Free admission and parking

More info: Open to all grade levels, as well as the general public. Reserve your spot online at ocfair.com/community-programs/centennial-farm/tours-and-reservations/self-guided-tours/

Progressive IMS Outdoors – Southern California

Experience the Ultimate Powersports Weekend at Progressive IMS Outdoors, the all-new version of Progressive International Motorcycle Shows. Grab your friends, get outside and ride! Take motorcycle demo rides from top manufacturers, 4-wheel offroad test rides, electric bicycle demos, learn-to-ride courses and put the kids on 2-wheels in the Kids Zone with Strider. See bikes, bikes and more bikes in the J&P Cycles Ultimate Builder Custom Bike Show and IMS Vintage collections. You can also meet the industry’s top brands, shop, enjoy live music, food and attractions.

When: Friday, Nov. 19, 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; Saturday, Nov. 20, 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m.; and Sunday, Nov. 21, 10 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

Where: OC Fair & Event Center

How much: Tickets are available online, $20-$35. Kids 12 and younger are free. Parking is $10.

More info: Go to motorcycleshows.com/southern-california

Seasonal Adventures Christmas Tree Lot

When: Open daily 9 a.m.-9 p.m. Nov. 26-Dec. 17

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot C (corner of Fair and Fairview)

How much: Free admission and parking; tree prices vary

More info: Visit seasonaladventures.com 

Night of Lights OC

After last year’s sold-out event, Night of Lights OC is back! Don’t miss a magical and interactive Winter Wonderland Drive-Thru Experience. From the safety and comfort of your own vehicle, guests will be guided through a mile-long course featuring:

Over one million dazzling lights
Themed holiday scenery & immersive vignettes
Characters and dancers including Santa (through Dec. 24), Snow Princess, Toy Soldiers, Yeti, Snow Angels and more
Animated light shows to music through your car radio
Light tunnels
Snow flurries and bubbles falling on your car!

When: Nov. 26, 2021, through Jan. 2, 2022 
Wednesdays, Thursdays & Sundays, 5-10 p.m.
Fridays & Saturdays, 5-11 p.m.

Where: OC Fair & Event Center 

How much: Tickets per car start at $39 for general admission and $59 for VIP (early bird pricing, limited supply)

More info: Visit NightofLightsOC.com, email Info@NightofLightsOC.com or call (657) 333-2520

Crossroads of the West Gun Show

When: Saturday, Nov. 27, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
              Sunday, Nov. 28, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot I (enter at Gate 10 off Newport and park in Lots A & H) 

How much: $18 two-day admission. $17 for seniors (65+) and military; children 12 and younger are free when accompanied by a parent or guardian. Parking is $10 daily, credit card only; the parking lot will be open one hour prior to event time.

More information: Guests are strongly encouraged to purchase tickets online prior to the event. Visit crossroadsgunshows.com, call (801) 544-9125 or email gunshows@crossroadsgunshows.com. 

The Original O.C. Swap Meet

This event was created to provide a space for local small businesses and the community to come together in an outdoor setting. Showcasing products and goods for all to buy, with the thought of bringing common items and at times unique ones for all to enjoy.

When: Saturday, Nov. 27, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Where: OC Fair & Event Center – NEW LOCATION! Enter the event at Green Gate, which is located on the north side of Pacific Amphitheatre

How much: Free admission, $10 parking

More info: Check instagram.com/ogocswapmeet, email ogswapmeet@gmail.com or call (949) 302-0355

Monday, November 15, 2021 (3:31 pm)

Community Entertainment

Share your talent! Whether you sing, dance or play – solo or as part of a group – the OC Fair Community Entertainment program provides the stages where you can shine.
Applications will be accepted until Friday, March 4, at 5 p.m.

Apply Now

Vendor Information

Do you sell the best food or product in the county? Become a commercial vendor or concessionaire at the 2022 OC Fair.  Applications will be accepted until Dec. 10, 2022 (returning vendors) and March 4, 2022 (new vendors).

Apply Now