OC Fair CEO Michele Richards announces her retirement
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 […]
OC Fair Board Chair Kovacevich to lead again in 2025
At today’s meeting, the OC Fair & Event Center Board of Directors again named Nick Kovacevich as Chair and Barbara Bagneris as Vice Chair to serve as Board leadership in 2025. The Board has taken on significant projects in the past year and the nominating committee noted the importance of continuity in asking the current […]
OC Fair & Event Center unveils plans for The Ranch Community Center
OC Fair & Event Center (OCFEC) is excited to unveil the latest expansion of its community give-back programs at its reimagined equestrian center, now called The Ranch Community Center. The Board embraced a bold new vision and operating model for the property in January, focusing on broad community access, education, accredited equine-assisted therapy and free […]
OC Fair Board of Directors Declare May Asian American Pacific Islander Heritage Month
On May 23, the OC Fair & Event Center Board of Directors proudly proclaimed May as Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) Heritage Month. This special declaration was received by A.G. Kawamura. A.G. Kawamura is as a third-generation fruit and vegetable grower and shipper in Orange County, former Secretary of the California Department of Food […]
OC Fair & Event Center Administration Groundbreaking Ceremony
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 […]
OC Fair Board of Directors Declare April Arab-American History Month
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 […]
OC Fair Board votes to move community equine center plans forward for more public use
The OC Fair & Event Center Board of Directors reaffirmed, on March 28, its plans to open up the fairgrounds’ equestrian center by introducing public programming centered around equine education, mental health support and entertainment for the whole community. The new equine center model will provide greater access for the public to benefit from these […]
What’s happening at OC Fairgrounds in March
Centennial Farm Discovery Day, March 1 Discovery Days at Centennial Farm are open to the public and are perfect for mom groups, homeschool groups, families and more. Visitors may participate in the following activities: Self-guided tours Radish seed planting Chick education Oxen demonstration Crops education See livestock animals When: Friday, March 1, 9 a.m. – […]
What’s happening at OC Fairgrounds in February
Repticon, Feb. 3-4 Experience the animal kingdom and explore rows of reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and more! Everything to support your hobby will be available: feeders, cages and other supplies. Join your friends and make new ones at a celebration of the reptile hobby in a family-friendly expo. When: Saturday & Sunday, Feb. 3-4 Schedule: Saturday, […]
OC Fair Board 2024 committee assignments
Leadership Committee • Chair Kovacevich (committee chair), Vice Chair Bagneris 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 […]