O.C. Fair: A Celebration That Has Grown with the County

Craving a large wand of pink cotton candy? Want to listen to an old band one last time before it retires? You can do both—and then some—at the O.C. Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa.

The annual event that celebrates O.C. and its heritage has taken up residence at the fairgrounds since 1949. Last year's attendance was  1,154,969. 

This year's fair opened July 15 and will run until Aug. 14; the theme for 2011 is "Let's Eat."

History

According to the O.C. Fair's website:

"Shortly after Orange County was founded in 1889, the Orange County Community Fair Corp., was formed. This group put on a small fair in 1890 that included a horse race and a few exhibits in Santa Ana. In 1894, another group, the Orange County Fair Association, Inc., took over the organization of the Fair.

"The first Orange County Fairs were primarily livestock exhibitions and horse races. At the turn of the century, a “carnival of products” was added and the Fair became an annual event. In ensuing years, the Fair was held in Santa Ana, but after World War I it was moved to Huntington Beach for two years and then back to temporary grounds on East Fruit Street in Santa Ana.

"In 1916, the Fair was taken over by the newly-organized Orange County Farm Bureau. The first OC Fair Board was elected in 1925 and the Fair relocated to Anaheim, across the street from the Orange County Hospital. In 1925, a rodeo and carnival were added to the Fair.

"After World War II, the state formed the 32nd District Agricultural Association and made it responsible for the Fair. The state then purchased land occupied by the Santa Ana Army Air Base and some of it was earmarked for a new fairground. The Fair was first held at the new site in 1949 and it soon was designated as the permanent fairgrounds. In 1953, the City of Costa Mesa was incorporated—the new city included the Fair’s location. From 1949 to the present, the OC Fair has grown from a small, community, five-day celebration to a 23-day festival that is one of Orange County’s most popular annual events."

In addition to live entertainment and umpteen food choices, there are competitions. Actually, the competitions—ranging from pie-eating to livestock—are a mainstay of the fair and for 121 years, artists, craftspeople, farmers and youth have competed for top prizes.

Open Wednesday through Sunday, the fair promises visitors a great way to spend time with friends and family whether it is strolling the grounds, chomping on a hot dog or trying to win a teddy bear in the hoop toss.

Laguna Niguel resident and Patch photographer Barton Mac Leod stopped in Costa Mesa and captured images of the fair.

For more information and ticket costs, visit ocfair.org or call 714-708-1500.