PICTURE PERFECT 2008 OC FAIR SETS SECOND HIGHEST ATTENDANCE RECORD

Costa Mesa, CA (August 4, 2008) – The 2008 OC Fair ended on a picture perfect note as 1,062,673 guests visited the annual Fair, setting the second highest attendance record in the Fair’s 116 years. The attendance record of 1,090,653 was set in 2007.

“More people paid to come to the fair than ever before and treated it as if it was their summer vacation. The diversity in programs, entertainment, attractions and food meant there was something for everyone,” said Becky Bailey-Findley, out going OC Fair CEO. “The passion that is experienced each year at the OC Fair will be with me always. I know the memories will be a part of my life forever.”

The 2008 OC Fair was themed “Say Cheese!” Photography and cheese-related displays and exhibits could be found throughout the Fair, including the Flash & Focus Building, the OC Cheese A-Fair, and a giant camera-shaped sandcastle that featured mice who occasionally popped up to photograph Fair patrons.

During the Opening Day Free Hour on July 11, 26,202 people enjoyed free admission and parking from noon to 1 p.m. At the Fair’s Summer Food Drive on July 23, 30.5 tons of nonperishable food items were donated by 11,863 generous fairgoers, which will provide meals for an estimated 120,000 individuals through Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County. On July 30, during the Summer Book Drive, 15,712 bookworms donated 42,637 new and used children’s books to Orange County public elementary schools.

The 2008 OC Fair Cattle Drive, held on Saturday, July 26, raised $160,000 benefiting Centennial Farm educational programs including school tours, Agademics and The Ranch After School Program.

Other 2008 OC Fair facts and figures as of Saturday, Aug. 2, include:

• Chicken Charlie sold 12,000 deep fried White Castle Burgers, 5 tons of deep fried frog legs, and 8,000 deep fried pop tarts.
• Orange County residents were award