Wednesday, November 4, 2020 (9:53 am)

They are quite the sight at OC Fair & Event Center, a herd of 18 Angora goats chomping away at weeds while their trusty miniature donkey guards keep watch.

The animals are hard at work solving problems by clearing weeds and improving the soil on the berm around Pacific Amphitheatre.

“The berm is a challenging area for our landscaping crew and the goats are the perfect solution, but we do have some coyotes around the property so the two miniature donkeys will help protect the herd,” said Barbara Gregerson, OC Fair & Event Center’s Landscape Supervisor. “Not only will the goats and donkeys eat the vegetation, they will fertilize and break up the soil, preparing it for planting.”

Gregerson developed the animal landscaping program to reduce erosion, maximize water filtration and improve the resilience of the soil. Once the soil improves, the ultimate goal is to create a diverse habitat of California native plants that invite birds, butterflies and other pollinators.

The berm has been divided into quadrants where the animals will be rotated to evenly work the land. In addition to the weeds and grasses on the berm, the goats will have shelter, water and supplemental feed to ensure they are getting a well-rounded diet. They will also receive regular veterinary care like the animals that reside year-round at nearby Centennial Farm.

The goats and miniature donkeys are on loan from Eureka Mohair Farm in Tollhouse, CA, a longtime competitor in the annual OC Fair livestock competitions. They will be on the property through December and will return in March and work until the annual OC Fair in July. The plan is then to have the animal landscapers back again in September through December 2021 and continue the pattern for a couple of years.

The annual cost of the program is almost the same as using traditional landscapers. There were fencing and shelter costs to get the program up and running and OC Fair & Event Center will cover feed and veterinary care for the animals in exchange for their labor. Gregerson says the expenses basically even out.

Centennial Farm and Heroes Hall veterans museum are reopening to the public tomorrow, Nov. 3. Hours are Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Free admission and parking; masks and reservations are required. To reserve a time to visit Centennial Farm and Heroes Hall, go to ocfair.com/reservations.

Visitors to Centennial Farm and Heroes Hall may catch a glimpse of the goats donkeys at work on the berm, but there is no public viewing area at this time.

Tuesday, October 27, 2020 (1:04 pm)

OC Fair & Event Center has been activated as a large-animal evacuation site for areas impacted by the current wildfires.

About 20 horses are sheltered at the fairgrounds’ equestrian center in stalls that were vacant. The animals are being cared for by their owners. Temporary stalls have also been constructed in the Action Sports Arena in case more space is needed for evacuated animals.

PLEASE NOTE: While we appreciate the offers for help, no volunteers or supplies are currently needed and we are not able to accept either on the fairgrounds at this time.

We are proud to be able to help in times of crisis and the fairgrounds and staff stand prepared to further assist as needed.

Tuesday, October 13, 2020 (3:46 pm)

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 10, 2020 (9:49 am)

OC Fair & Event Center leadership is in communication with state, county and city agencies regarding the use of the fairgrounds for emergency purposes during the coronavirus pandemic.

We have received an updated notice that 10 temporary trailers will be delivered today, April 10, to the corner of parking lot G, nearest Gate 10, for potential emergency housing. These trailers were requested by the City of Costa Mesa from the State of California to assist with housing if needed for unsheltered residents who may have risk factors that make them vulnerable to COVID-19. It is not yet known if or when the trailers will be utilized for this purpose. The trailers will be placed in a secured area.

Also, three buildings in the Main Mall area of the fairgrounds are being considered for emergency medical use. The Orange County Health Care Agency has assessed the property and is considering it to assist with hospital overflow. Details about how the facilities will be utilized and who will occupy them is not yet known. If the buildings are put into use, the area will be secured. The timetable is also in the works as coordination continues.

“Fairgrounds all over the state are being called into service to assist their communities and we are happy to do our part in helping Orange County through this pandemic,” said Michele Richards, OC Fair & Event Center CEO.

Thank you for your continued support as it is determined how the fairgrounds will be used to assist our community during this unprecedented crisis.

Thursday, April 2, 2020 (9:00 am)

Thursday, March 12, 2020 (7:16 pm)

(Updated June 11, 202o) 

Out of an abundance of caution and to help stem the spread of coronavirus, OC Fair & Event Center announces a full public closure of the facilities, including Heroes Hall Veterans Museum, Centennial Farm, Equestrian Center and the administration building lobby until further notice.

OC Fair & Event center will continue to follow public health directives.

The following events previously scheduled to take place at OC Fair & Event Center have been impacted: 

• Orange County Market Place – weekends, canceled until further notice
• Farmers Market – Thursdays, canceled until June 18
• OC Wine Fest – June 13-14, canceled
• BrideWorld – June 14, canceled
• OC Market Place Taco Fest – June 20, canceled
• Costa Mesa Speedway – June 20, canceled
• FamFest – June 20-21, canceled
• Pacific Symphony – July 4 & Aug. 21, canceled
• 2020 OC Fair – July 17-Aug. 16, canceled
• SoCal World Guitar Show – Aug. 22-23, canceled
• Irish Festival – Sept. 5-6, canceled

The following is a list of events originally scheduled for earlier this year that have been rescheduled for a later date: 

• AAOC Trade Show and Conference – March 26, postponed to Sept. 10
• Mom Made Market – March 28-29, postponed to Oct. 10-11
• Fight Club – April 9 & June 11, postponed until Oct. 15 & Nov. 12
• OC Marathon – May 1-3, postponed to Nov. 6-8
• OC Night Market – May 8-10 & May 15-17, postponed to Oct. 23-25 & Oct. 30-Nov. 1 

For a complete list of upcoming scheduled events, please visit ocfair.com/events. 

Tuesday, January 28, 2020 (4:47 pm)

OC Fair & Event Center was honored with 16 awards for innovation and excellence by the Western Fairs Association (WFA). 

OCFEC received six first-place honors, four second-place awards and six third-place awards.

OC Fair’s 1st place awards: 

• New Animal Competitive Exhibit: Clean Barn Award program
• New Idea in Maintenance: Hand-washing station pump and wagon innovation 
• Theme Program: Acres of Fun
• Fair Logo
• New Innovative Use of Technology for Patrons: PrimoWind charging stations
• New Event, Exhibit or Program: Heroes Hall exhibit “Victory from Within”

OC Fair’s 2nd place awards:

• Fair-time Event: “Love is in the Fair” wedding contest
• Self-Promoted Non-Fair Event: Boo Ha Ha – A Haunted Oktobeerfest 
• Fair Pocket Program/Schedule
• Agriculture Programming: Agriculture-themed lounges (Avocado Pit, Orange Grove, Strawberry Patch and Beef Corral)

OC Fair’s 3rd place awards:

• Give it Your Best Shot, People (photography): Little girl with pink balloon in fountain (pictured above)
• Fair-time Advertising Poster
• Foreign Language Printed Marketing Campaign
• Digital Marketing Campaign
• Any Other Advertising Campaign: Promotional items
• Non-Profits: Big Brothers Big Sisters workplace mentoring program

Many prize categories were specific to the 2019 OC Fair and others were related to year-round events and programs. The Western Fairs Association presented the awards for 2019 achievements at its annual conference last week in Reno, NV. WFA is a nonprofit trade association serving the fair industry throughout the western United States and Canada. 

Thursday, September 26, 2019 (5:07 pm)

The International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA) recognized the most outstanding examples of quality and creativity in the festivals and events industry on Sept. 25 at the IFEA’s 64th Annual Convention with the presentation of winners of the 2019 Pinnacle Awards.

Sponsored Haas & Wilkerson Insurance, the professional competition draws entries from some of the world’s top festivals and events. Winning entries came from organizations as diverse as the Dublin Irish Festival in Dublin, OH; the OC Fair in Costa Mesa, CA; the Des Moines Arts Festival, Des Moines, IA; the National Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, DC; and the Philadelphia Flower Show.

Awards were handed out in 69 categories and OC Fair & Event Center won 13 awards including eight gold, four silver and one bronze. The awards were for the annual OC Fair as well as year-round events on the fairgrounds. Gold winners included Best Event Within an Event, Best TV Promotion, Best Promotional Poster and Best New Event.

Headquartered in Boise, Idaho, the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA) is The Premier Association Supporting and Enabling Festival & Event Professionals Worldwide. In partnership with global affiliates under the umbrellas of IFEA Africa, IFEA Asia, IFEA Australia, IFEA Europe, IFEA Latin America, IFEA Middle East (MENASA), and IFEA North America, the organization’s common vision is for “A Globally United Industry that Touches Lives in a Positive Way through Celebration.” The Association offers the most complete source of ideas, resources, information, education and networking for festival and event professionals worldwide.