Press Release

OC Fair & Event Center Hires Ken Karns, CFE, As Vice President, Operations


Costa Mesa, Calif. (February 4, 2016) – The OC Fair & Event Center (OCFEC) announced the hiring of Ken Karns as the newest member of the executive management team.

As the new Vice President, Operations, Karns will oversee the master site plan and related strategic plans along with capital expenditures, facility operations, maintenance, parking, security, technology, production and entertainment. Karns comes to OCFEC from the Western Fair District (WFD) in Ontario, Canada, where he spent 25 years in a variety of positions in events, facilities and property services. At WFD, Karns was also a part of the development and execution of strategic and master site plans and last held the title of Director of Facility Development, overseeing the gaming initiatives and possible expansion of WFD to six sites. Karns has a degree in business/facility management and technical education from Fanshawe College in London, Ontario, Canada. He also holds a CFE (Certified Fair Executive) from the International Association of Fairs and Expositions (IAFE). He has been a member of, or sat on boards for, several business and trade organizations.

The OC Fair & Event Center is formally known as the 32nd District Agricultural Association of the California Department of Food & Agriculture. Located in Costa Mesa, CA, it is home to the annual OC Fair and year-round Centennial Farm and with 150 acres of diverse, flexible event space, it’s also host of a variety of events throughout the year for arts, crafts, cars, cultural celebrations, pets, collectibles and more. Every summer, the OC Fair offers 23 days of food, exhibits, rides, shopping, action sports, tribute bands and headline entertainment in the Pacific Amphitheatre. Throughout the year, the Centennial Farm offers free opportunities for guests to experience first-hand Orange County’s rich agricultural history.

The OC Fair & Event Center is located off the 405 and 55 freeways at 88 Fair Drive in Costa Mesa. For more information, please visit ocfair.com, become a fan on Facebook.com/OCFair, follow us at twitter.com/ocfair or call (714) 708-1500.