Category Archives: Latest news about the fairgrounds

  • Thursday, January 25, 2024 (4:05 pm)

    OC Fair Board approves new vision for the Fairground’s equestrian center

    Today the OC Fair Board voted to implement a new vision for the Fairground’s equestrian center that focuses on providing free and low-cost educational and recreational programming to serve a wider public audience.

    Some of the public programming elements discussed by the Board include:

    – Hands-on equine experiences for tour groups
    – Equine and agricultural exhibits
    – Accredited equine-assisted therapeutic activities
    – Small regional horse shows open to the public
    – Riding instruction by hired or contracted trainer(s)
    – Emergency large animal evacuation
    – Partnership with city and county mounted law enforcement units
    – Boarding of privately owned horses can be offered after programs and schedules are established

    At its December 2023 meeting, after hearing hours of public comment, the Board voted to cancel the process of producing a request for proposal (RFP) to identify an independent operator for the equestrian center which is used by private trainers and boarders of privately owned horses. The Board instead instructed the staff to recommend a new operating model for the equestrian center which would provide hands-on experiences with horses as well as exhibitions and events to educate and entertain the general public.

    “The Board is very excited to introduce the vision for a reimagined equine center,” said Board Chair Nick Kovacevich. “It’s an opportunity for OC Fair & Event Center (OCFEC) to expand our agriculture-related education and recreation programs to the public, allowing all in the community to interact with and learn about horses.”

    The staff will be engaging with community resources including equine experts, education resources, nonprofits, equestrian show promoters and city and county partners who will act as advisors to execute the Board’s vision.

    The next steps include working in partnership with these resources to develop programming, create an execution plan, recommend an operating budget and develop a timeline for rollout. Staff will update the Board and the public monthly.

    The OCFEC Equestrian Center sits on the northeast corner of the Fairgrounds and consists of about 7.5 acres currently used mostly by private businesses and boarders. OCFEC staff assumed direct management and operations at the equestrian center in January 2023 and spent the year evaluating the property and its finances. The equine center was previously managed by an outside contractor.

    After reporting a projected annual loss of more than $1 million, the Board began the process to find a new operator to take over the full operation and costs of the equestrian center. The Board opted to cancel the RFP process last month and instead requested the staff to provide recommendations for a new vision and operating model, focusing on greater public benefit.

    Using a similar model to Centennial Farm and Heroes Hall at OCFEC, tours, exhibits, educational programs and horse shows at the equestrian center will be aimed at providing access to equine experiences and expanding visitors’ knowledge of the importance of horses.

    The equestrian center will continue to partner with the County of Orange to provide a site for large-animal evacuation in the event of emergencies.

    This new vision changes the business model of the equestrian center, moving away from renting to private businesses and horse owners. The Board emphasized that this new operating model could include boarding of privately owned horses only after public programs and schedules are established.

  • Monday, December 11, 2023 (5:04 pm)

    Centennial Farm awarded Let’s Eat Healthy Community Grant

    From Dairy Council of California, Dec. 11, 2023

    Through our Let’s Eat Healthy Initiative, Dairy Council of California proudly partnered with Centennial Farm to enhance its educational programming with the support of an awarded $5,000 Let’s Eat Healthy Community Grant. Centennial Farm, located at the Orange County Fair and Event Center, focuses on youth agricultural education and offers a variety of community programs, providing experiential learning to emphasize the importance of agriculture and the connection between the food system and nutrition.   

    Educating children, families and the community around where food comes from and the hard work that goes into producing and sourcing food through sustainable farming practices is a core value at Centennial Farm and Dairy Council of California. Through the process of collaboration and co-creation, Centennial Farm updated its dairy resources to enhance knowledge on the health benefits of milk and dairy foods; position milk, yogurt and cheese as daily food choices in healthy, sustainable eating patterns; and increase agricultural literacy in children and families through the following:  

    1) Docent Trainings: Approximately 52 docents received professional development highlighting the health benefits of milk and dairy foods and educational resources to support their delivery of farm field trips. The docents incorporated the training information into their tours for elementary school students, teachers and parents. 97% of classroom educators who completed the tour survey reported that their docent highlighted dairy products such as milk, cheese, yogurt, cottage cheese, etc. and shared some nutritional benefits of each. 

    2) Ranch Afterschool Program: Centennial Farm piloted a week dedicated to teaching about the health benefits of milk and dairy foods in its Ranch Afterschool program, focusing on 4th and 5th grade students. During the week, two episodes of our Let’s Eat Healthy Together, a Telly Award-winning broadcast series, were shown to enhance nutrition education. Students learned about the importance of nutrients and made a nutrient-rich smoothie that was highlighted in an episode. At the conclusion of the program, 85% of students reported that they believe it is important to eat dairy foods every day. 

    3) Imaginology Weekend: Recently, the Orange County Fair and Event Center hosted its Imaginology event with a record 22,642 people in attendance, a 54% increase from the previous year. Centennial Farm was a popular stop, where farm activities included highlighting Dairy Council of California’s nutrition education resources. Our Mobile Dairy Classroom instructor, Elizabeth Miller, demonstrated how to milk a cow. Afterward, she observed how the students really enjoyed looking at Dairy Council of California’s nutrition education resources.     

    Read the entire article: https://www.healthyeating.org/blog/detail/enhancing-dairy-ag-literacy-for-the-orange-county-community

     

  • Thursday, November 9, 2023 (11:58 am)

    OC Fair Board of Directors votes in new leadership

    COSTA MESA (Nov. 8, 2023) – The OC Fair & Event Center Board of Directors has named Nick Kovacevich as Chair and Barbara Bagneris as Vice Chair.

    Kovacevich, who previously served as Vice Chair, replaces Newton Pham as Chair. The Board voted in new leadership at its Oct. 26 meeting.

    Kovacevich is the former CEO of Greenlane Holdings, Inc., a leading provider of ancillary cannabis products and accessories. He is an entrepreneur who co-founded several successful businesses including KushCo Holdings, which merged with Greenlane in 2021, and BigRentz, an Irvine-based technology company. Kovacevich is a graduate of Southwest Baptist University where he captained the men’s NCAA II basketball team. He is a resident of Newport Beach and was appointed to the Board in 2020.

    “It has been a great experience serving on the OC Fair Board and I am excited about the opportunity to lead us for the next year, working with my colleagues and the community,” said Kovacevich. “We are in terrific financial shape as we head into the 2024 OC Fair season and our Master Site Plan work has begun. This is truly an exciting time for OC Fair & Event Center.”

    Bagneris has been a principal financial analyst at Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems since 2010. She was a senior financial controls analyst at L-3 Interstate Electronics Corporation from 2008 to 2010 and held multiple positions at the Boeing Company from 1980 to 2008, including business analyst and program financial controls analyst. Bagneris is past president of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Orange County (CA) Alumnae Chapter. She earned a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Phoenix, Fountain Valley. Bagneris has served on the Board since 2014 and resides in Orange.

    Exiting Chair Pham will continue to serve on the Board of Directors, as he has since 2016.

    Two new members have recently joined the Board. Tanya Bilezikjian and Dimetria Jackson were appointed by Gov. Gavin Newsom in September.

    Bilezikjian, of Anaheim, has been chief of staff and vice president at MNS Engineers Inc. since 2023. She held several positions at Michael Baker International from 2005 to 2023, including vice president and civil engineer. She was a staff engineer at Environmental Engineering and Contracting in 2004. She was a water resources control engineer for the San Diego and Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Boards from 2001 to 2003.

    Jackson, of Irvine, has been a broker associate for eXp Realty of California since 2021 and principal at the Law Offices of Dimetria Jackson since 2018. She was a contract attorney for Lexolution from 2019 to 2021. Jackson held several positions at Nano Financial Holdings-Nano Banc EVP from 2017 to 2018, including general counsel, corporate secretary and chief compliance officer. She was a freelance attorney for Montage Legal Group from 2011 to 2012 and 2016 to 2019.

    Board officers typically serve one-year terms and are nominated for office by a committee of fellow Board members. Board members are appointed by the Governor of California and may serve more than one term.

  • Tuesday, October 25, 2022 (2:21 pm)

    OC Fair & Event Center wins international industry awards

    OC Fair & Event Center was awarded four top honors from the International Festival & Events Association at its annual Pinnacle Awards competition in September.

    A gold award recognized the organization’s e-newsletter as the best in show. Silver awards honored OCFEC’s TV promotion and outdoor billboard and a bronze award was given for best promotional poster.

    Each year IAFE recognizes the top organizations internationally in the festival and events world.

  • Monday, April 11, 2022 (4:11 pm)

    Upcoming April events at OC Fair & Event Center

    ♦ Discovery Day at the Farm, April 14 & April 27
    Discovery Days at Centennial Farm are open to the public and perfect for group visits. Docents are on hand to answer questions during your self-guided tours and there will be extra activities to help students learn about agriculture.

    Hours: Thursday, April 14, and Tuesday, April 27, 9 a.m.-noon
    Where on the fairgrounds: Centennial Farm
    How much: Free admission and parking
    More info: See complete list of dates and reserve your spot at ocfair.com/discoveryday

    ♦ Fight Club OC, April 14
    Pro boxing and MMA bring live action to The Hangar.

    Hours: Thursday, April 14, 7 p.m.
    Where on the fairgrounds: The Hangar
    How much: $60 tickets, parking is $10.
    More info: Visit socafights.com

    ♦ Speaker Series: Mexican American Pilots of WWII, April 16
    Judge Frederick Aguirre will present a photographic display of 11 World War II bomber pilots. He will weave in statistics regarding the service of over 500,000 Mexican American service members in WWII and discuss the challenges they faced due to their Mexican heritage. This speaker series is in conjunction with the museum’s newest exhibit, Fighting for the Right to Fight: African American Experiences in WWII.

    Hours: Saturday, April 16, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
    Where on the fairgrounds: Heroes Hall Museum
    How much: Free admission and parking.
    More info: Registration is required and limited; go to ocfair.com/heroeshall/rsvp

    ♦ Bubble Run, April 16
    Participants run, walk, dance and play across 3 miles of rad real estate. Foam Bogs of colored suds are encountered along the course, bringing back memories of car washes and bathtub bubble beards.

    Hours: Saturday, April 16; check-in begins at 6 a.m.
    The Bubble Run has three separate start times (8, 9 and 10 a.m.). Please plan on arriving 60-90 minutes prior to wave start. Packet pickup is available at Road Runner Sports in Costa Mesa on Friday, April 15, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. (no fee). Race Day packet pickup at the OC Fairgrounds is also available ($5 cash-only fee).
    Where on the fairgrounds: Lots I and G
    How much: Free admission (event insurance purchase required, plus fees), parking is $10
    More info: Visit bubblerun.com

    ♦ Foam Glow, April 16
    Foam Glow 5K is a fun-filled experience exposing runners to Glowing Foam and a ton of blacklights all over the course. Glowing runners come from all different ages, shapes, sizes and speeds.

    Hours: Saturday, April 16, 7-10 p.m.; check-in starts at 5 p.m.
    Please plan on arriving 60-90 minutes prior to wave start. Packet pickup is available at Road Runner Sports in Costa Mesa on Friday, April 15, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. (no fee). Race Day packet pickup at the OC Fairgrounds is also available ($5 cash-only fee).
    Where on the fairgrounds: Lots I and G
    How much: Free admission (event insurance purchase required, plus fees), parking is $10
    More info: Visit foamglow.com

    ♦ The Original O.C. Swap Meet, April 23-24
    This event was created to provide a space for local small businesses and the community to come together in an outdoor setting. The swap meet showcases products and goods for all to buy and enjoy.

    Hours: Saturday & Sunday, April 23-24, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
    Where on the fairgrounds: Lot D
    How much: Free admission. Parking is $10.
    More info: Check instagram.com/ogocswapmeet, email ogswapmeet@gmail.com or call (949) 302-0355

    ♦ OC Fair Board of Directors meeting, April 28
    OC Fair’s Board of Directors typically meets monthly via Zoom and in person at OC Fair & Event Center. The agenda and location for this meeting will be available later in the month at ocfair.com/public-information/public-meetings.

    The public is invited to watch or participate in Board meetings via Zoom or in person. The meetings, which begin at 9:30 a.m., will also be recorded and posted on our website afterward.

    ♦ The SDCCU OC Marathon Running Festival, April 29-May 1
    Join us as we celebrate Orange County with the 18th Annual OC Running Festival. Event weekend includes OC Half Marathon, Full Marathon, Kids Run the OC and the Celebrate OC 5K – not to mention activations from various sponsors, and the celebrate OC festival!

    OC Lifestyle and Fitness Expo – Friday, April 29, 4 -8 p.m. & Saturday, April 30, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
    OC 5K & Kids Run the OC – Saturday, April 30, 5 p.m. (Finish Line Festival is 3-7 p.m.)
    SDCCU OC Marathon start – Sunday, May 1, 5:30 a.m.
    SDCCU OC Half Marathon start – Sunday, May 1, 6:15 a.m. (Finish Line Festival is 8 a.m.-noon)
    How much: Visit ocmarathon.com for registration fees. Admission to OC Lifestyle & Fitness Expo is free. Parking at OC Fair & Event Center is $10.

    Ongoing events at OC Fair & Event Center
    ♦ COVID testing – Open Monday-Friday
    Free COVID testing on the fairgrounds.

    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
    Where on the fairgrounds: 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.

    ♦ Farmers Market – Every Thursday
    Shop local at this OC Farm Bureau-certified farmers market featuring produce, fresh flowers, fish, hummus, honey, hot sauce and more. Some vendors also sell hot food for lunch such as tamales and tacos/burritos.

    Hours: Thursdays, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
    Where on the fairgrounds: Outdoors in Lot D
    How much: Free admission and parking
    More info: Visit ocfarmbureau.org

    ♦ Heroes Hall Museum – Open Wednesday-Sunday
    Visit our museum to view the latest exhibits and learn about local veterans. The museum is currently closed for exhibit installation but will reopen on Feb. 16.

    Hours: Wednesday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
    Where on the fairgrounds: Heroes Hall is next to Centennial Farm
    How much: Free admission and parking
    More info: Visit ocfair.com/heroeshall

    ♦ Centennial Farm – Open daily
    Visit our three-acre working farm, which features seasonal crops, farm animals and knowledgeable staff.

    Hours: Monday-Friday, 1-4 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
    Where on the fairgrounds: Centennial Farm is on the south side of our property
    How much: Free admission and parking
    More info: Visit ocfair.com/centennialfarm

    Coming up in May
    ♦ 626 Night Market OC, May 6-8 & May 13-15
    626 Night Market is back at OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, California. The iconic Californian festival features 200+ food, merchandise, crafts, arts, games, music and entertainment attractions in an epic event that appeals to all ages. Come happier and hungrier together with friends and family for the biggest reunion of the summer!

    When: May 6-8 and May 13-15
    Hours: Friday, 4-11 p.m.; Saturday & Sunday, 1-11 p.m.
    Where on the fairgrounds: OC Promenade, Lot G and Lot I
    How much: $5 admission plus fees; free for children 3 and younger. Parking is $10. Most vendors accept cash only; ATMs are available.
    More info: Visit 626 Night Market

    Also in May:
    ♦ AAOC Trade Show & Conference, May 5
    ♦ March for Babies Orange County, May 7
    ♦ California Sneaker Convention, May 7
    ♦ Gem Faire, May 13-15
    ♦ Garden Classes, May 14 & May 21
    ♦ SOS Wild & Crazy Taco Night, May 19
    ♦ Sand Sports Super SWAP, May 21
    ♦ Costa Mesa Speedway, May 21
    ♦ Scottish Fest, May 28-29

    View all events

  • Thursday, April 7, 2022 (3:05 pm)

    Imaginology is this weekend!

    Imaginology returns in person this Saturday and Sunday, April 9-10! We’ve got a packed schedule of take-home crafts, science experiments, live performances by local entertainers, youth competitions and more.

    The free two-day event gives students the chance to explore careers in the S.T.E.A.M. fields –that’s science, technology, engineering, arts and math – as well as agriculture education.

    After being canceled in 2020 and going virtual in 2021, this year the family fest returns IN PERSON with activities and entertainment for kids of all ages.

    Programming includes:

    Science exploration

    Local exhibitors like Compass Charter Schools, YMCA of Orange County and Gemology will provide hands-on experimenting. Plus, try a little physical science with activities like hula hoops, Recess Revolution’s free-play area, or Heroes Hall Museum’s Fort Blisters Boot Camp.

    Tech lessons

    The Coder School and National College Resources Foundation will be on hand to talk about the future and the history of computers. Plus, OC Fair has a fun augmented reality activity in which kids can make their own coloring page come alive!

    Engineering playtime

    From woodcarving and scroll saws to Rigamajigs and module trains, there will be plenty to put together at Imaginology. Harbor Soaring Society will host aerospace adventures, Brain Builders will show off robots and LEGOs and Imaginology’s cardboard engineering competition will be on display.

    Arts in crafts, displays and more

    Local entertainers such as dance groups, DJs and music groups will provide live entertainment at the Main Stage. There is also a plethora of hands-on crafting – many of which come with a take-home project! Plus, Imaginology’s mural competition will be on display.

    Math by way of strategy

    We can find math in just about everything (like having students count out the cash for a burger and brat!). But logic and mathematical reasoning is the way to win at chess, and the local Academic Chess chapter will host their annual Tournament of Champions on Saturday from 12:30 to 4 p.m. Registration is $30 at strategickids.com.

    Agricultural education

    Livestock competitions and exhibits will be on display throughout Imaginology. Plus, OC Fair & Event Center’s year-round Centennial Farm will feature activities such as radish seed planting, a terrarium makeshop, oxen demos and more – and don’t miss a peek at the piglets born March 16. There will also be blacksmithing demonstrations at the Farm.

    When: Saturday and Sunday, April 9-10, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
    How much: Admission is free and most activities are included. Parking is $10. Food will be available for purchase.

    For more information including a full list of exhibitors and food that will be available, visit ocfair.com/steam.

  • Wednesday, February 16, 2022 (3:32 pm)

    OC Fair receives accolades in CDFA report for agriculture exhibit

    OC Fair was featured as a “Grant Spotlight” in the 2021 California Department of Food & Agriculture report for its new exhibit, California Fresh.

    The report mentions the backstory of the Specialty Crop Block Grand Program, which was originally granted to Cal Expo in 2020. The State Fair could not host their event in 2021, so Cal Expo granted a “subaward” to its Orange County counterpart – that’s us! 

    OC Fair’s Exhibits & Education team developed the exhibit and made it adaptable for display at Cal Expo as well. During the 2021 OC Fair, the exhibit was on display in the OC Promenade.

    The CDFA report says, “A tip of the hat to all involved, with CDFA’s thanks for making sure this project ended up where the public could enjoy it, even with all the hurdles the past few years have thrown in everyone’s way.”

    See the full 2021 CDFA report

  • Monday, December 27, 2021 (8:03 am)

    CEO Michele Richards named top influencer of 2021 by OC Register

    Congratulations to OC Fair & Event Center CEO Michele Richards on being named one of the most influential people of 2021  in Orange County by the OC Register.

    “Michele Richards

    As CEO of the OC Fair & Event Center, Richards helped shepherd the return of the OC Fair during the coronavirus pandemic with several sold-out dates. Even with caps on attendance, the fair turned a profit in 2021.”

    Read the full article:

    Most influential: Meet Orange County’s 125 top influencers for 2021

     

     

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

    Mid-month update: November 2021 events

    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 infoMake 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

  • Wednesday, August 25, 2021 (10:39 am)

    OC Fair & Event Center receives grant from SBA

    OC Fair & Event Center has been notified that it will receive a Shuttered Venue Operator Grant from the Small Business Administration of approximately $4.888 million.

    The grant will help to replace the revenue lost from 2020 when the OC Fair performances in The Hangar and Pacific Amphitheatre summer concert series were canceled.

    The SVOG grant money must be spent specifically on replacing the lost revenue and it will be earmarked to offset costs from the 2021 Hangar performances and Pacific Amphitheatre concert series.

    CEO Michele Richards said the grant is “very welcomed relief from a lost concert season.”
    .