OC Fair CEO Michele Richards announces her retirement
After more than 20 years of service at OC Fair & Event Center (OCFEC), top executive Michele Richards has announced that she will retire this spring prior to the 2025 OC Fair. She was appointed as CEO by the Board of Directors in December 2019 and led the state agency through several key projects, including […]
OC Fair & Event Center unveils plans for The Ranch Community Center
OC Fair & Event Center (OCFEC) is excited to unveil the latest expansion of its community give-back programs at its reimagined equestrian center, now called The Ranch Community Center. The Board embraced a bold new vision and operating model for the property in January, focusing on broad community access, education, accredited equine-assisted therapy and free […]
OC Fair announces final entertainment lineup for 2024 – 83 shows across three venues!
The OC Fair has announced its entertainment lineup for the summer, featuring 83 performances across three venues, Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar and Action Sports Arena. Entertainment tickets are on sale now at etix.com. Pacific Amphitheatre will kick off its summer season with five pre-Fair concerts: Cake and DakhaBrakha on July 9, Tash Sultana and Chiiild […]
OC Fair hiring 750 employees to help put on the annual event, July 19-Aug. 18
OC Fair & Event Center needs employees who are looking for terrific summer jobs and a fun way to earn some income. The theme of this year’s Fair is “Always a Good Time!” About 750 seasonal employees are needed for the 2024 OC Fair. Job postings are available at ocfair.com/jobs for people 16 and older. […]
OC Fair & Event Center Administration Groundbreaking Ceremony
OC Fair & Event Center embarked on a momentous journey with the groundbreaking ceremony for the Administration Building expansion, phase 1 of the 10-phase Master Site Plan. With shovels in hand, representatives from California Construction Authority, Barnhart-Reese Construction Inc. and LPA Design Studios symbolically dug into the soil, paving the way for innovative growth and […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]