Friday, June 26, 2020 (10:39 am)

The OC Fair & Event Center Board of Directors unanimously issued a proclamation on June 25, 2020, in support of the Black Community and stands united against discrimination and committed to inclusion, diversity and equality.

Recognizing this painful time for many members of our community, the Board voted to reaffirm its commitment to denounce discrimination or violence in any form.

The following statement was approved at today’s Board of Directors meeting:

Proclamation of the Board of Directors of the 32nd District Agricultural Association

WHEREAS, the mission of the 32nd District Agricultural Association (the 32nd DAA) is the “Celebration of Orange County’s Communities, Interests and Heritage”; and

WHEREAS, the 32nd DAA is against discrimination on the basis of race, creed, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, disability, political affiliation, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, or marital, parental or military status; and

WHEREAS, the 32nd DAA condemns the deeply troubling actions that occurred in Minneapolis, Minnesota, which led to the inexcusable and senseless death of Mr. George Floyd; and the same troubling actions that have taken the lives of so many other Black men, women, boys and girls, even since Mr. Floyd; and

WHEREAS, the 32nd DAA stands in solidarity with those that peacefully protest against violence, inequality and excessive force; and

WHEREAS, the 32nd DAA recognizes the community is in turmoil, and looking to its leaders to affirm their commitment to inclusion, diversity, and equality; and

WHEREAS, the 32nd DAA stands with the members of our Black Community and all people of color who have been ignored, marginalized and disenfranchised;

NOW, THEREFORE, the Board of the 32nd District Agricultural Association hereby does proclaim on June 25, 2020, that it stands in solidarity with the Black
Community and reaffirms its commitment to denounce discrimination or violence in any form.

Friday, May 15, 2020 (7:49 am)

SACRAMENTO (May 14, 2020) – Gov. Gavin Newsom has announced that Nicholas Kovacevich, 34, of Newport Beach, has been appointed to the 32nd District Agricultural Association, Orange County Fair Board of Directors.

Kovacevich has been chief executive officer of KushCo Holdings since 2014. He was chief operating officer for BigRentz Inc. from 2012 to 2014. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Kovacevich is a Democrat.

View official announcement. 

Friday, May 1, 2020 (3:01 am)

Joan Hamill was appointed Chief Business Development Officer May 1, 2020 to lead Communications & Guest Experience, Exhibits & Education, Entertainment, Event Sales & Services, Marketing & Creative Services and Sponsorship & Sales. She worked in various positions for OC Fair & Event Center in the exhibits department and served as the department director since 2003. During this time she developed and directed numerous programming and exhibits for OC Fair and Imaginology as well as year round educational programs and events for Centennial Farm. She lead the development and creation of permanent and rotating exhibitions and educational programs for Heroes Hall since its opening in 2017.

Monday, April 27, 2020 (9:52 am)

The OC Fair & Event Center Board of Directors voted unanimously today to cancel the 2020 OC Fair, one of the most anticipated and enduring summer celebrations in Southern California for 130 years. The Board considered ongoing guidance and updated information from State and County health care and government officials about the status of the coronavirus pandemic and the improbability that mass gatherings like the OC Fair could safely and responsibly take place this summer.

In addition to the regularly scheduled monthly meeting, the Board called a second April meeting specifically to review all options and discuss whether or not to move forward with the 2020 OC Fair. The action comes amid unprecedented community stay-at-home and social distancing orders and will protect guests, vendors and staff during the COVID-19 crisis.

“The decision to cancel the 2020 OC Fair was not taken lightly by the Board. As Governor-appointed representatives the Board has a responsibility to provide a safe experience to the community-at-large, the hundreds of people who depend on county fairs for their livelihood, fairgoers and OC Fair staff,” said Board Chair Sandra Cervantes. “While many of our guests have expressed extreme disappointment over the idea of the 2020 Fair being canceled, we strongly believe it is the right thing to do in this current situation. However, we will keep the spirit of the OC Fair alive with virtual fair concepts such as contests, competitions, entertainment and concessions to bring the fair experience to guests through ocfair.com and social media.”

The 23-day OC Fair welcomes more than 1.3 million fairgoers each year and has an estimated economic impact of $350 million annually. The Fair was canceled 1942-1947 during wartime, but otherwise has been a summer staple since 1890. Information on refunds for concert tickets and Super Passes that have already been purchased can be found at ocfair.com/refunds.

“We love the OC Fair as much as our guests do. And, while it’s disappointing that the Fair can’t take place this year, we fully support the Board’s decision,” said Michele Richards, OC Fair & Event Center CEO. “But please know OC Fair & Event Center will still be here to serve the community as we plan for the next OC Fair and the eventual return of our wonderful events.”

Friday, April 17, 2020 (1:52 pm)

OC Fair ticket booths are helping love triumph during the pandemic.

Three booths are on loan to the Orange County Clerk-Recorder Department so they can offer marriage licenses and civil marriage ceremonies, with social distancing in place, to couples during the COVID-19 lockdown.

“It warms our hearts that our OC Fair & Event Center ticket booths are providing safe windows to love and marriage during these challenging times,” said Michele Richards, OC Fair & Event Center CEO. “We are glad to partner with the County to share such a hopeful sign for the future.”

Marriage services are available at Honda Center by appointment only. Visit ocrecorder.com for more information, or call the county’s Marriage Service Hotline at (714) 834-2740.