Monday, October 7, 2024 (2:48 pm)

OC Fair & Event Center receives Ally of the Year Award

Thank you to OC Pride for honoring OC Fair & Event Center with the Ally of the Year award during last weekend’s pride celebration at the Fairgrounds. We are proud to support and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community.

 

Monday, September 16, 2024 (2:44 pm)

OC Fair & Event Center sheltered 107 animals evacuated from Southern California fires

Over the past week, OC Fair & Event Center (OCFEC) sheltered 107 animal evacuees from wildfires across Southern California. Our facility welcomed 94 horses, four goats, four chickens, three ducks and two geese, offering them a safe haven during these challenging times.

“Thank you to everyone for your help with this vital evacuation. Once again, OCFEC is there for the community,” said Michele Richards, OC Fair CEO.

We’re incredibly grateful to be able to support the equestrian and farming communities in this time of need, working closely with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department to coordinate efforts. The swift action and collaboration ensured these animals had a secure place to stay.

As always, OC Fair & Event Center remains dedicated to serving our community – standing ready to offer our resources when needed.

 

Wednesday, September 11, 2024 (10:52 am)

OC Fair & Event Center takes in 93 horses evacuated from Southern California fires

OC Fair & Event Center is now sheltering 93 horses that have been evacuated from danger zones as fires rage across Southern California.

The displaced horses are in stables at the OC Fairgrounds’ equestrian center and space is still available for more large animals that need to move to safety.

The fairgrounds’ staff is working with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department to coordinate evacuation efforts and to support the equestrian community and others with large animals that must be relocated. Temporary stalls have been constructed to house additional animals on the property and horse owners have complete access to care for their animals.

For more information on evacuations, please check Resources During a Disaster | Orange County California – Sheriff’s Department (ocsheriff.gov)

“We continue to be a resource for the community as these emergencies progress and will do all that we can to make sure animals have safe shelter as long as needed ,” said Michele Richards, OC Fair CEO. “The OC Fair & Event Center is here to serve and we have the resources to help.”

The OC Fair staff is working to support the needs of the evacuated horses and their owners. At this time, volunteer efforts are not needed at the Fairgrounds.

Tuesday, September 10, 2024 (2:01 pm)

OC Fair & Event Center takes in animals evacuated from Southern California fires

COSTA MESA (Sept. 10, 2024) – As wildfires burn across Southern California, horses are being housed safely at OC Fair & Event Center as large animals are evacuated from danger zones.

Some 23 displaced horses are currently in stables at the OC Fairgrounds’ equestrian center and it is anticipated that more will be coming to the facility today; potentially some horses from outside the county.

The fairgrounds’ staff is working with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department to coordinate evacuation efforts and a total of 85 stalls are available to support the equestrian community and others with large animals that must be relocated. Temporary stalls can also be constructed to house more animals on the property if the need arises.

For more information on evacuations, please check Resources During a Disaster | Orange County California – Sheriff’s Department (ocsheriff.gov)

“This is what we do – we support the community during times of crisis. We have the space and the expertise here to help animals that must be moved to safety during these fires,” said Michele Richards, OC Fair CEO. “Having just wrapped up the 2024 OC Fair, the public knows we are here in times of celebration, but we are also here in times of need. Right now it is imperative that we provide a large-animal evacuation center where displaced horses and their owners from all over Southern California can find a safe escape from the wildfires.”

The OC Fair staff is working to support the needs of the evacuated horses and their owners. At this time, volunteer efforts are not needed at the Fairgrounds.

Monday, August 26, 2024 (3:43 pm)

Centennial Farm selected to receive CDFA ‘Specialty Crop Block Grant Program’ funds

The California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) selects “The Centennial Farm Story of California Specialty Crops” grant proposal to receive a 2024 Specialty Crop Block Grant Program (SCBGP) Farm Bill award. 

The funding will allow OC Fair & Event Center to address the ongoing critical need to connect the region’s youth to locally grown specialty crops, while educating them about how these crops get to their plates. Through storytelling and first-hand, experiential learning, youth will be encouraged to engage with agriculture as an industry, as a field of study and as it impacts many facets of their lives.

Learn more about the Specialty Crop Block Grant Program, visit https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/Specialty_Crop_Competitiveness_Grants/.

Wednesday, August 21, 2024 (4:49 pm)

The 2024 OC Fair by the numbers!

COSTA MESA (Aug. 21,2024) – The 2024 OC Fair is in the rearview mirror and Southern California is looking back on so many iconic summer memories. Fairgoers celebrated for 23 days, from July 19 through Aug. 18, and they brought home blue ribbons, stuffed prizes and experiences they will always remember.

During the run of the Fair, more than 1.13 million guests passed through the gates and there were 12 days that exceeded 50,000 in attendance, nine of those were total sell-outs. (These preliminary numbers are subject to change.) The theme was “Always a Good Time” and attendees agreed with that sentiment, scoring the Fair an overall 4.20 (out of 5) for total enjoyment, according to our on-site survey. In 2023, the OC Fair welcomed 1,048,181 Fairgoers.

“Each summer, it is a privilege and a delight for our staff and partners to put on the annual OC Fair for the community and this was an exceptional year,” said OC Fair CEO Michele Richards. “The entertainment was stellar, the competitions were top-notch, the $5 Taste of the Fair was a hit and by staying with our limited daily attendance model, we again minimized the impact on our neighbors and provided a great experience for fairgoers. We want to thank all who visited and supported the 2024 OC Fair. You helped provide the funding for our community give-back programs including Centennial Farm, Heroes Hall and Imaginology.”

Here’s a look at this year’s OC Fair by the numbers:

16,259 competition entries vied for prizes in all categories and this year there was a record for the auction price of the grand champion steer – $14,000. In total, 170 animals were sold at auction and sales were $270,593. Also, more than $38,275 in prize money was paid out to competitors in culinary arts, fine arts and the hobbies & handcrafts contests.

130,000 fairgoers enjoyed shows in Pacific Amphitheatre, 32,000 people rocked out in The Hangar and 30,000 attended the spine-tingling shows in Action Sports Arena. The new OC Fair Radio station helped some 7,000 fans get information and discounts for this year’s entertainment.

16,280 guests visited Heroes Hall to learn about the stories of our veterans and more than 2,370 postcards were created to honor our active-duty military and veterans.

16,005 gallons of free chilled water were distributed at four refill stations. That’s the equivalent of 128,040 water bottles saved and they would equal about 16 miles if placed end-to-end – approximately the distance from Costa Mesa to Lake Forest.

70 tons of organic waste was diverted from landfills along with 30,000 pounds of cardboard, 9,000 gallons of cooking grease and another 70 tons of animal bedding.

17 piglets were born at Centennial Farm during the Fair along with one little peachick.

80,000 beads were used by visiting crafters to create Sand and Sea-themed bracelets at the make-and-take tables in the OC Promenade.

750 pounds of melons and 150 pounds of turnips were carved into incredible designs for fairgoers’ enjoyment by Chef Ray Dewy.

1 million dollar winner at the California Lottery booth at the OC Fair!

And then there was the food!

6,000 pounds of corn dog batter, enough to fry 2.5 miles of foot-long dogs on a stick, was cooked up at Big Daddy Corn Dogs.

1 ton of fresh-chopped garlic and 1,200 pounds of grated Parmesan cheese made up garlic fries at Biggy’s.

1 orchard of lemons for lemonade, 6 tons of sugar for cotton candy and sweet treats and 2,000 gallons of whip cream were used at RCS concessions in the midway.

86,000 Ten Pound Buns were served up along with 145,000 Hot Dogs on a Stick, 20,000 ICEEs, 3,000 samples of Red Beard’s Hot Sauce and 6,000 dill pickles from Timbo’s.

111,000, fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies were made from scratch at Mom’s Bakeshoppe, where they averaged about 5,000 cookies a day.

17,370 chicken drumsticks, 9,450 deep-fried Oreos and 2,000 Hot Honey Funnel Cake Sandwiches sold at Chicken Charlie’s stands throughout the Fairgrounds.

3,219 vanilla cones were served at Sweets by Cardinali, outpacing the second-place Fair favorite, the swirl cone, with 2,273 dished up.

3,850 pounds of popcorn seeds and 2,825 pounds of sugar became bags of kettle corn at The Snax Shack.

2,455 $5 Tastes of the Fair were sold at Bacon Nation, 1,228 at Spud Ranch, 2,338 at The Ranch and 1,845 were served at The Hook.

And the fun isn’t over yet! Concerts at Pacific Amphitheatre continue through Sept. 14:

Big Time Rush / Crash Adams on Aug. 30
Counting Crows / Toad The Wet Sprocket on Aug. 31
Steel Pulse / The Green / Sammy J on Sept. 1
John Fogerty / Hearty Har on Sept. 3
Bonnie Raitt / James Hunter on Sept. 14
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Pacific Amphitheatre
How much: Ticket prices vary per show, section and seat. 
More info: Visit Pacific Amphitheatre

(Click here to view a PDF version of the Press Release)

 

Friday, April 26, 2024 (4:22 pm)

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 approximately 12,000 underserved and vulnerable individuals, including immigrants and refugees.

The proclamation was presented by Director Dimetria Jackson and Director Natalie Rubalcava-Garcia, representing both the OC Fair Board of Directors and the 32nd District Agricultural Association.

(1:10 pm)

OC Fairground’s equestrian center rebranded to The Ranch Community Equine Center

 

COSTA MESA (April 26, 2024) – At yesterday’s OC Fair & Event Center (OCFEC) Board of Directors meeting, CEO Michele Richards expanded on the new vision for the current equestrian center at the fairgrounds. Rebranded as The Ranch Community Equine Center, the facility will focus on community programming for all while maintaining the current boarding and training activities. 

The Ranch Community Equine Center will effectively become an extension of the organization’s agriculture education programs in support of its mission, similar to the free public programming offered at Centennial Farm.

The Board has been working to continue the organization’s emphasis on education and to expand opportunities for the public to interact with, learn about and enjoy hands-on experiences with horses. The vision also includes providing equine-assisted therapy for veterans and others, conducting educational tours for students and community groups, hosting horse shows free to the public and developing hands-on equine exhibits.

“I’m very encouraged to see this new vision continue to move forward,” said Board Chair Nick Kovacevich. “It’s great to offer access to a broader group of public constituents who otherwise would never have the chance to experience these wonderful animals.”

At last month’s meeting, the Board voted to increase rental rates for current boarders to cover OCFEC’s costs for operating the boarding and training activities at the center. The Board also agreed that staff should continue to look for ways to reduce costs and pass along those savings in the form of rental reductions. Richards announced today that basic stall rental rates will be cut by $151 per month from the rates presented at the March Board meeting. Effective June 15 rental increases will be phased in three steps, resulting in the final increase on January 1, 2025, to $979 per month for a standard 12’x12’ stall.

“Now that we’ve provided a more optimistic outlook regarding rates at the equestrian center for boarders and trainers, I’m glad that staff can now focus on building on the bold public vision for The Ranch Community Equine Center,” said Richards.

Wednesday, April 24, 2024 (3:14 am)

What’s Happening at OC Fairgrounds in May

Centennial Farm Discovery Days, May 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: Wednesday, May 1, 9 a.m. – noon
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit Discovery Day

OC Marathon, May 3-5

The 20th annual Hoag OC Marathon Running Festival returns to the seaside streets of Orange County, California the weekend of May 3-5. The Hoag OC Running Festival showcases three days of events, including Kids Run the OC, U.S. Bank OC 5K at sunset on Saturday and Sunday’s full and half marathons. The race is a perfect destination event for runners, with the beaches, theme parks and near-perfect weather.

When: Friday-Sunday, May 3-5 
Schedule:
Friday, May 3, 4 – 8 p.m.; Saturday, May 4, 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.; Sunday, May 5, 7 a.m. – noon.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – All Fairgrounds
How much: Registration varies. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit OC Marathon

Gem Faire, May 10-12

Visit the largest jewelry and bead show in Southern California. Shop fine jewelry, precious and semi-precious gemstones, millions of beads, crystals, gold and silver, pearls, minerals, fossils and much more at manufacturers’ prices. Jewelry repair, cleaning and ring sizing while you shop.

When: Friday – Sunday, May 10-12
Schedule:
Friday: noon – 6 p.m., Saturday: 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Sunday: 10 a.m. – 5 p.m., No entry or re-entry after 4 p.m. on Sunday, May 12.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Costa Mesa building, Santa Ana Pavilion, Main Mall. 
How much: General admission is $7. Children 11 and under are free. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Gem Faire

Centennial Farm Workshop: Mother’s Day Floral Arrangement, May 11

Prepare for Mother’s Day this year with a heartfelt, handmade floral arrangement for your mom! Led by certified floral designer Marie Gregory, you’ll learn how to create a striking floral arrangement. Whether you’re a seasoned floral enthusiast or a beginner, this class will equip you with the skills, supplies and inspiration to make and take home a memorable Mother’s Day gift.

When: Saturday, May 11, 9:30 a.m. – noon
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm Silo Building
How much: $75 fee covers materials (including vase) and any handouts. Participants should bring floral shears/scissors and gloves. Parking is free.
More info: Visit Centennial Farm Garden Classes

Heroes Hall Exhibit Opening Reception: The Vietnam War Through the Art & Photography of Ed Bowen, May 11

Join us in celebrating the life and artwork of Ed Bowen, who passed away in Dec. 2023. This free event will include speakers, music and refreshments.

When: Saturday, May 11, 4 – 6 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Heroes Hall
How much: Admission and parking are free. RSVPs are recommended.
More info: RSVP Heroes Hall Exhibit Opening Reception

Costa Mesa Speedway – Harley Night #1, May 11

When: Saturday, May 11
Schedule:
Gates open at 5:30 p.m., qualifier starts at 6 p.m., first race at 7:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Action Sports Arena
How much:  $30 general admission; $20 juniors (13-17), seniors (65+) and active military; $10 for kids ages 3-12; free for kids 2 and younger. Parking is $12 for cars and motorcycles.
More info: Visit Costa Mesa Speedway

31st Annual Wild & Crazy Taco Night, May 16

Enjoy a celebration of flavor, community and philanthropy as foodies and philanthropists gather to support the mission of serving others in need at Share Ourselves’ 31st Annual Wild & Crazy Taco Night!

A team of chefs from across Orange County are serving up taco creations, with each vying for the title of best taco. All proceeds go directly to Share Ourselves, providing critical social services, alleviating food insecurity and providing affordable and accessible healthcare to the underserved and underinsured.

When: Thursday, May 16, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center  – Plaza Pacifica
How much: Early bird general admission is $85 and $160 for VIP through May 1. General admission after May 1 is $95 and $180 for VIP. 
More info: Visit Share Ourselves

Centennial Farm Discovery Days, May 16

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: Thursday, May 16, 9 a.m. – noon
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit Discovery Day

Costa Mesa Speedway: Knobby Night, May 18

When: Saturday, May 18
Schedule:
Gates open at 5:30 p.m., qualifier starts at 6 p.m., first race starts at 7:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Action Sports Arena
How much:  $30 general admission; $20 juniors (13-17), seniors (65+), active military and fire; $10 for kids ages 3-12; free for kids 2 and younger. Parking is $12 for cars and motorcycles.
More info: Visit Costa Mesa Speedway

Sand Sports Super Swap, May 18

Sand Sports Super Swap is a single-day opportunity for off-road enthusiasts to “swap” their sand toys and equipment. Sellers of new and used quads, dune buggies, motorcycles, tires, engine parts, helmets and anything for the off-road enthusiast are welcome!

When: Saturday, May 18, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot I
How much: Online general admission is $6.50 through May 17. General admission increases to $10 starting May 18. Children 12 and younger are free. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit  Sand Sports Super Swap

Night Nation Run, May 18

The Night Nation Run is a running music festival. Experience a music-filled course with live DJs, light shows, bubble zones and neon and black lights. Cross the finish line into a main stage after-party featuring top headliner DJs.

When: Saturday, May 18, 5:30 – 10:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Country Meadows, Crafters Village, Pacific Amphitheatre, Park Plaza, Plaza Pacifica
How much: Registration varies. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Night Nation Run

Centennial Farm Discovery Days, May 20

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: Monday, May 20, 9 a.m. – noon
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit Discovery Day

Scottish Fest, May 25-26

A family-friendly event celebrating Scottish and Celtic culture. Enjoy two days of fun with bagpipes, drums and highland dancing, Scottish clans and genealogy, Scottish athletics, shopping, food and so much more! You don’t have to be Scottish to have fun at Scottish Fest!

When: Saturday-Sunday, May 25-26
Schedule:
Saturday, May 25, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.; Sunday, May 26, 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – All Fairgrounds
How much: $30 general one-day admission, $26 seniors (62+), $6 youth (6-17), children 5 & younger are free, military and first responders are free with ID. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Scottish Fest

OC Fair Board of Directors Meeting, May 23

When: Thursday, May 23, 9:30 a.m.
Where: Costa Mesa City Hall Community Room or virtually on Zoom
More info: Visit OC Fair Public Meetings Information

626 Night Market OC, May 31 – June 2

626 Night Market is back at OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, California. The festival features 200+ food, merchandise, crafts, arts, games, music and entertainment attractions in an event that appeals to all ages. Experience warm summer days and bright nights this season!

When: Friday – Sunday, May 31 – June 2, 4 – 11 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center  – OC Promenade and Lot I
How much: General admission for adults, seniors and children older than 3 is $6. Children 3 and under are free. Parking is $12. Most vendors accept cash only. ATMs will be available
More info: Visit 626 Night Market OC

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Ongoing at OC Fair & Event Center

Centennial Farm

Centennial Farm is home to fruit and vegetable gardens, livestock and the Millennium Barn. Two youth educational tour programs are offered – Discovery Days and Junior Farmer Tours – as well as year-round daily hours so the public can visit the farm. 

When: Reopens to the public Aug. 27.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: Free with Fair admission. Parking is $15.
More info: Visit Centennial Farm

Centennial Farm Pig Cam

Even when the Farm is closed to the public, you can still keep tabs on our resident rascals. Watch the Centennial Farm pigs LIVE on our official Pig Cam and see what these adorable animals are up to!

More info: Visit Centennial Farm Pig Cam

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, tacos and burritos. 

When: Thursdays, 8 a.m. – noon
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot D
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit OC Farm Bureau

Heroes Hall

Heroes Hall is a free, permanent, year-round museum and education center with exhibitions, performances and educational programs that celebrate the legacy of Orange County veterans and others who have served our nation. The two-story exhibition space rotates themes semi-annually with each focusing on an aspect of the personal stories and experiences of veterans.

When: Reopens to the public Aug. 28.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Heroes Hall Museum
How much: Free with Fair admission. Parking is $15.
More info: Visit Heroes Hall

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Coming up in June

Repticon, June 1-2

Experience the animal kingdom in an exotic way. Explore rows of reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and more!

Everything to support your hobby will be available: feeders, caging and other supplies. Join friends and make new ones at a celebration of the reptile hobby that can only be expressed at a quality family-friendly expo.

When: Saturday & Sunday, June 1-2
Schedule:
Saturday, June 1, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday, June 2, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Huntington Beach Building
How much: General admission $12, children 5-12 $6 and children 3 and younger are free. Military, first responders and teachers are free with ID. Super tickets are $15 for both days. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Repticon Reptile Show

Centennial Farm Discovery Day, June 3

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: Monday, June 3, 9 a.m. – noon
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm
How much: Free admission and parking.
More info: Visit Discovery Day

626 Night Market OC, June 7 – 9

626 Night Market is back at OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, California. The festival features 200+ food, merchandise, crafts, arts, games, music and entertainment attractions in an event that appeals to all ages. Experience warm summer days and bright nights this season!

When: Friday – Sunday, June 7 – 9, 4 – 11 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center  – OC Promenade and Lot I
How much: General admission for adults, seniors and children older than 3 is $6. Children 3 and under are free. Parking is $12. Most vendors accept cash only. ATMs will be available
More info: Visit 626 Night Market OC

Centennial Farm Workshop: Designing a Winning Floral Arrangement, June 8

Join Marie Gregory, certified floral designer, and seasoned floral arrangement judge at the annual OC Fair, for a hands-on class that will elevate your floral design skills. If you have struggled to create a winning floral arrangement or aspire to enter a floral design competition, this class is for you! Participants of all levels and experiences will craft a floral arrangement under expert guidance while learning valuable tips to enhance their design for a winning edge in floral competitions. Don’t miss this chance to learn from the best and bring your floral design dreams to life!

When: Saturday, June 8, 9:30 a.m. – noon; RSVP online by May 29.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Centennial Farm Silo Building
How much: $75 fee covers materials (including vase) and any handouts. Participants should bring floral shears/scissors and gloves. Parking is free.
More info: Sign up at Centennial Farm Garden Classes

Battleground Grappling Championship, June 15

Battleground presents the Costa Mesa Championship 2024.

When: Saturday, June 15, 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center  – Huntington Beach Building
How much: General admission for adults $15, seniors (60+) $10, youth (6-17) $15, military( with ID) $10 and children 5 and younger are free. Parking is $12
More info: Visit Battleground BJJ

SoCal World Guitar Show, June 15-16

International buy, sell or trade show featuring vintage dealers, collectors, foreign and domestic buyers, retail stores, appraisers and manufacturers. Public attendees may bring items they can sell or trade at no extra charge. Small carts are encouraged with up to eight pieces to roll around the show. New, used, old and rare items will be on display for sale or trade. Vendors will be able to purchase from attendees. 

When: Saturday & Sunday, June 15-16
Schedule:
Saturday, June 15, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Sunday, June 16, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar
How much: General admission for adults and children 12 and up is $20. Children 11 and younger are free. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit SoCal World Guitar Show

Fight Club OC, June 20

When: Thursday, June 20
Schedule:
Baja Bar & Grill Happy Hour 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.; The Hangar doors open at 6 p.m.; First fight starts at 7 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – The Hangar
How much: General admission is $65, military $55, free admission for children 4 and younger. Parking is $12.
More info: Visit Fight Club OC

Fireworks Stand – Costa Mesa High School Boys Baseball

When: Sunday – Thursday, June 30 – July 4; Sunday, June 30, noon – 10 p.m.; Monday, July 1, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Tuesday, July 2, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Wednesday, July 3, 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Thursday, July 4, 9 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Where: OC Fair & Event Center – Lot E

Tuesday, April 16, 2024 (4:37 pm)

Joan Hamill to retire as Chief Business Development Officer after 31 years at OC Fair & Event Center

We bid a heartfelt adieu to Joan Hamill, an esteemed member of the OC Fair & Event Center (OCFEC) family, whose dedication and passion have illuminated our institution for the past 31 years.

Joan’s journey began in 1993 as a part-time fair staff assistant, and from that moment on, her presence has been transformative. With boundless enthusiasm and commitment, she embraced every opportunity, leaving an indelible mark on OCFEC and many who have had the pleasure of working alongside her.

What made Joan’s tenure truly remarkable was her deep connection to the organization and community. Beyond the responsibilities of her role, she fostered a sense of camaraderie and belonging that made OCFEC feel like home. Her wisdom and guidance served new and seasoned staffers, instilling in them a sense of purpose and pride in their work.

Throughout her time here, Joan contributed to many memorable moments, from Fair themes that brought joy to thousands (like “Cowabunga!” – a Fair theme involving intense collaboration that was a salute to Herefords, surfers and sand) to meaningful initiatives that touched the lives of our community’s youth. One of her fondest memories is taking Centennial Farm’s Ranch After-School Program kids to the state capital for CA Ag Day where they met CDFA’s former agriculture secretary and then-Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Her passion and creativity have been contagious, inspiring those who have crossed her path.

As Joan embarks on a new chapter, we extend our deepest gratitude for her 31 years of dedicated service. Her legacy will endure as a testament to the power of passion, commitment and the profound impact one individual can have on an organization.

So here’s to Joan! As she takes leave, we say goodbye with heartfelt gratitude and warm wishes for all the adventures that lie ahead for her. Though she may be departing from our daily lives, her spirit will remain a part of the OCFEC family.

Thank you for shining bright and lighting the way for others to follow in your footsteps.