Monday, April 5, 2021 (12:15 pm)

This year, Imaginology will be virtual – all the S.T.E.A.M. fun will be at the fingertips of students, parents and teachers this month, from April 19 to 25.

Still free and open to all, Imaginology is bringing science, technology, engineering, arts and math to students of all ages with lots of hands-on learning.

Most activities will take place on ocfair.com/imaginology and on our social media channels, including Facebook (OC Fair) and Instagram (@oc_fair).

Here’s what’s in store for Imaginology Goes Virtual:

On the Outdoor Adventure Hunt, participants are sure to have a great time while learning concepts of navigation! With more than 25 different locations throughout Orange County, participants will use GPS and QR code technology to complete the mission. Sign ups are now open; register here.

Arts Orange County and Media Arts Santa Ana’s annual Día Del Niño festival of arts for families and children will again be part of Imaginology, taking place virtually as well, and offering videos of performing arts events and workshops featuring a spectrum of artists and styles. Go to ocdiadelnino.org for a complete lineup.

The Imaginology Time Travel Virtual Run, presented by Raising Cane’s, provides participants with a challenging way to get active and earn cool swag, thanks to our partners at OC Marathon. Registration is now open for kids and adults; sign up here.

Esports College & Career Pathways will host live discussion panels for parents and students who are interested in a career in esports, as well as live tournaments full of action for seasoned gamers to play and watch. Registration is now open; sign up here.

Special sample lessons from The Coder School will be available during Imaginology and we will host a virtual Academic Chess Tournament of Champions. OC Fair staff have also created videos that give simple instructions for S.T.E.A.M.-related projects and encourage kids and families to get creative while having fun.

In addition to S.T.E.A.M., Imaginology explores agriculture. There will be an entire section all about animals, with videos from Centennial Farm and slideshows from local 4H clubs.

More activities include quizzes, puzzles, word searches, bingo, connect the dots, scavenger hunts and more. Activities are created for different ages and abilities, so there is fun for all. S.T.E.A.M. resources and the results of our student competitions will also be featured.

Go to ocfair.com/imaginology to get a sneak peek. Tune in to our Facebook or Instagram pages between April 19 and 25 for exclusive content! 

Imaginology involves OC Fair & Event Center’s educational venues, Centennial Farm and Heroes Hall. Thanks to Imaginology sponsors Raising Cane’s, Nova Academy and the YMCA.

Wednesday, March 31, 2021 (2:50 am)

The County of Orange opened a large COVID-19 vaccination site on March 31 at OC Fair & Event Center and it is expected to provide up to 2,000 inoculations per day, with that number increasing as vaccine supplies increase.

The site features both drive-up handicapped-access lanes as well as a walk-up area where vaccines are administered indoors. Vaccines are by appointment only Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit othena.com to book an appointment.

“OC Fair & Event Center always stands ready to serve the community in times of need and there is currently no greater need than helping provide the life-saving COVID-19 vaccine to the people of Orange County,” said  OC Fair & Event Center Board Chair Natalie Rubalcava-Garcia. “The Board and staff of the OC Fair are proud to assist with this vaccine rollout as we continue to be a valuable resource to the people of Orange County.”

Rubalcava-Garcia joined OC Supervisor Katrina Foley and other officials to welcome the media to the opening of the vaccine site at a press conference on March 31.

For more information on vaccines and on COVID-19 in Orange County, visit occovid19.ochealthinfo.com.

Friday, March 26, 2021 (12:08 pm)

At yesterday’s OC Fair & Event Center Board of Directors meeting, CEO Michele Richards, representing the Community Affairs Committee, paid tribute to Women’s History Month.

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

 
View the full presentation: ocfair.com/womenshistorymonthocfec/

Thursday, March 25, 2021 (11:08 am)

Today the OC Fair announced dates for the much-anticipated annual event – July 16- Aug. 15. The theme is “Time for Fun,” celebrating the joy of the return of Southern California’s favorite summer festival.

“We are grateful to plan for an exciting, and safe, OC Fair this year,” said OC Fair Board Chair Natalie Rubalcava-Garcia. “This milestone will allow the community to come together to celebrate the future and generate much-needed opportunities for economic development and growth in Orange County. The Board and staff have done a fantastic job of responsibly managing our finances and preparing to meet safe reopening guidelines to not just make it through the pandemic, but to emerge resilient and ready for 2021 and beyond.”

OC Fair officials have been working closely with public health agencies to develop protocols to keep fairgoers safe while bringing back carnival rides, fair food, entertainment, competitions, animals and more to fair fans. The plans for the 2021 OC Fair are based on health agency projections for the summer, but could change if warranted by public health conditions.

Advance ticket sales will be required and limited capacity will give fairgoers more elbow room. The number of concessions, rides and shopping vendors will be reduced and spaced out to provide more distance between each. Admission tickets will go on sale May 1 on ocfair.com.

“We have worked through many different scenarios for the 2021 OC Fair and we are so excited to move forward with this plan because it means that we really can bring back the fun, and that’s why I love this year’s theme,” said Michele Richards, OC Fair & Event Center CEO. “We want everyone to continue to follow health guidelines and get vaccinated so we can finally celebrate summer together again.”

The Fair Board voted to keep ticket prices at the 2019 OC Fair rates, $12 general admission and $7 for children and seniors on weekdays (Wednesday, Thursday), and $14 general admission and $7 for children and seniors on weekends (Friday, Saturday and Sunday). The current plan is for the fair to be closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, as it traditionally has been. There is a change to move Friday into weekend pricing and OC Fair will absorb the online ticket sale fees.

Announcements regarding concerts in Pacific Amphitheatre and The Hangar will be coming soon.

Tuesday, March 23, 2021 (8:49 am)

All senseless acts of hate and violence hurt our community. OC Fair & Event Center stands in solidarity with our guests, neighbors, employees and partners in the AAPI community. When members of our community are suffering, that impacts us all. We echo the resolution passed by our Board of Directors to denounce all acts of discrimination and violence, and will continue to work toward positive change and greater equality, diversity and inclusiveness throughout the community we celebrate.