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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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: […]
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 […]