OC Fair Communications Department

OC Fair Communications Department
ocfair.com/newsroom ∞ commdept@ocfair.com ∞ (714) 708-1543
JULY 13 - AUGUST 12
OPEN WEDNESDAY - SUNDAY
Table of Contents
General Information for Reporters
1
General Information for the Public
2-3
OC Fair Admission and Parking
4
Savings at the OC Fair
5-6
Headline Entertainment
7-10
Attractions, Entertainment and Exhibits
11-13
Food at the 2012 OC Fair
14
Competitions and Contests
15
Shopping at the OC Fair
16
The OC Fair
17-18
OC Fair Style Guide
19
OC Fair & Event Center Media Guidelines
20
Toyota Summer Concert Series at Pacific Amphitheatre
The Hangar
Action Sports Arena
Board of Directors and Executive Staff
OC Fair History and Attendance
General Information for Reporters/Media
Welcome to the 2012 OC Fair
Outside of Fair, the Communications Department is open 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday
During Fair (July 13-August 12), office hours are 9 a.m.-10 p.m., Wednesday-Sunday
The office is closed Monday and Tuesday
Contacting the Communications Department
Direct line (714) 708-1543
E-mail: commdept@ocfair.com
Online Newsroom
ocfair.com/newsroom
Press Credential Policy and Request Form Find the OC Fair Online
Twitter
Facebook
iPhone app
Android app
Flickr (Stock Photos)
B-Roll (HD download)
ocfair.com/credentials
Twitter.com/ocfair
Facebook.com/OCFair
Download in iTunes store (OC Fair)
Download in Google Play store
flickr.com/photos/36874382@N05/sets/
Host: visionstarmedia.com
Username: ocfair2012
Password: bRoll2012
Staff Contacts
Robin Wachner
(714) 708-1559
Director of Communications
rwachner@ocfair.com
Sabrina Sakaguchi
(714) 708-1526
Communications Coordinator
ssakaguchi@ocfair.com
The Communications Department is located in the Administration Building at
88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa, CA 92626. Inside Gate 4 off Arlington Drive.
1
1
General Information for the Public
Dates
The 2012 OC Fair is open July 13-August 12 (23 days and nights; Wednesday-Sunday)
Hours
Wednesday-Friday, Noon-Midnight
Saturday-Sunday, 10 a.m.-Midnight
The Fair is open Wednesday-Sunday
2012 Theme
“Home Sweet Home”
Contacting The Fair/General Inquiries
Phone: (714) 708-1500
Website: ocfair.com
E-mail: ocfinfo12@ocfair.com
Location
OC Fair & Event Center
88 Fair Dr., Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Driving Directions
In Orange County
The 405, 5, 91 and 22 Freeways all connect with the south Newport (55) Freeway.
Exit Del Mar/Fair Drive, right on Fair Drive.
From Los Angeles
5 south or 405 south to 55 south, exit Del Mar/Fair Drive, right on Fair Drive.
From LAX/Long Beach
405 south, exit Fairview, right on Fairview, left on Fair Drive.
From Riverside
91 west to 55 south, exit Del Mar/Fair Drive, right on Fair Drive.
From San Diego
5 north to 405 north to 55 south, exit Del Mar/Fair Drive, right on Fair Drive.
2
General Information for the Public, cont.
Organization
OC Fair & Event Center
32nd District Agricultural Association, State of California
Mission of the OC Fair & Event Center
Celebration of Orange County’s Communities, Interests and Heritage.
Operating Budget
The 2012 OCFEC operating revenue budget is $30.9 million. In 2011, it was $30.1 million.
OC’s Fair
2011 attendance: 1,400,280
Highest record attendance: 1.400,280 (2011)
Highest single-day attendance: 84,985 (Saturday, July 21, 2001)
About our Fairgoers:
(Some information is based on a 13-day patron survey conducted in 2011 by EventCorp Services, Inc.)
• 52.4 percent call Orange County home with another 32.9 percent visiting from Los Angeles County.
• 71.4 percent are annual visitors to the Fair.
• The average number of visits to the 2011 Fair by surveyed guests was 2.9 with an average of
5.5 hours per visit.
• Women outnumbered men, 56.1 percent to 43.9 percent.
• The average age of Fairgoers was 34, with an average annual household income of $75,000.
• More than 81,000 generous Fairgoers took advantage of free admission offered through four
community donation drives held at the 2011 Fair gates through the “We Care Wednesday”
program, which collected 42 tons of food, 62,000 children’s books, 100,000 pieces of gently
used clothing and approximately 100,000 new school supplies for Orange County’s neediest.
What Fairgoers are saying:
• Out of the total patrons surveyed, Fairgoers said they felt a “Good-Excellent” overall satisfaction
during their visit to the 2011 Fair with 49.5 percent ranking the Fair at Excellent and another
35.9 percent at Good.
• 46.4 percent of surveyed Fairgoers ages 13-20 rated the Fair as Excellent.
Awards & Accolades
2011 - Voted Best Fair in Southern California by Los Angeles Times’ readers
2010 - Critic’s Choice for Best Place to See a Concert in the OC (Orange County Register)
3
OC Fair Admission and Parking
Super Pass*
The OC Fair Super Pass is valid for one (1) admission each day of the 2012 OC Fair (July 13-August 12,
open Wednesday-Sunday) for the owner of the pass only. This pass is non-transferrable. Children 5 and
younger are free every day.
General (ages 13-59)
Seniors (ages 60+)
Youth (ages 6-12)
$35
$30
$25
Single-Day Admission Prices*
General (ages 13-59)
Seniors (ages 60+)
Youth (ages 6-12)
$11
$8 $6 on Seniors Day (Friday)
$6 Free on Kids Day (Thursday)
*Additional admission may be required for shows in the Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar, Action Sports Arena
and other special events. Concert tickets and action sports reserved seats include free Fair admission.
Parking
General
Buses and Limos Concert Preferred Parking
$7
$14
$30
Satellite Parking (Saturday and Sunday only)
Location: Experian parking structure located off the Bristol St. exit of the northbound I-405 and
the Avenue of the Arts exit of the southbound I-405.
Hours of operation: 10 a.m.-Midnight on Saturday and Sunday during the 2012 OC Fair
Cost: Free parking and shuttle service
OC Fair Express (Friday-Sunday only)
$2 general Fair admission with valid OCTA rider coupon.
Service available at these OCTA transit locations: Anaheim, Fullerton, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Laguna Hills,
San Juan Capistrano and Santa Ana.
Hours of operation: Friday 3 p.m.-Midnight and Saturday-Sunday 10 a.m.-Midnight.
Additional Cost: Bus fee: One-way $1.50, Round-trip $3. Coupon/discount is only valid with use of OC Fair
Express service and on day of service.
4
Savings at the OC Fair
Gate Promotions
Opening Day Free Hour Friday, July 13, Noon-1 p.m.
Free admission and parking through all gates.
Rise & Shine
Saturdays and Sundays 10-11 a.m.
$2 admission during the opening hour on weekends.
Kids Day
Thursdays, July 19, 26 and August 2, 9
Children 12 and under are admitted free all day.
Seniors Day
Fridays, July 13, 20, 27 and August 3, 10
Senior citizens who are 60 or older are admitted all day for $6. Seniors can also enjoy free
Ferris wheel and merry-go-round rides.
Heroes Get In Free Daily
Free admission for all veterans and active duty military with ID all day, every day.
Friends of the Fair Day
Wednesday, July 18, 9:30 a.m.-Noon.
Pre-registered guests who are physically or mentally challenged enjoy a morning of entertainment,
contests and activities at no cost. Advance reservations are required for qualified groups.
We Care Wednesday
Noon-4 p.m.
Food Drive
Wednesday, July 18, Noon-4 p.m.
One free admission and one carnival ride per person with a donation of five non-perishable food items.
Also sponsored by Ralphs and benefitting Second Harvest Food Bank and OC Food Bank.
Children’s Book Drive
Wednesday, July 25, Noon-4 p.m.
One free admission and one carnival ride per person with a donation of one new or three gently used
children’s books. Benefitting Orange County Children and Families Commission AND THINK Together
Early Learning Program.
Clothing Drive
Wednesday, August 1, Noon-4 p.m.
One free admission and one carnival ride with a donation of five (5) gently used clothing items. Donated
items benefit Goodwill of Orange County.
School Supply Drive
Wednesday, August 8, Noon-4 p.m.
One free admission and one carnival ride with a donation of one new school item valued at $5 or more.
Donated supplies will benefit Share Our Selves (SOS).
Other Promotions
$2 Taste of Fair Food
Fridays, July 13, 20, 27 and August 3, 10, Noon- 4 p.m.
Sample select Fair food for $2 each.
5
Savings at the OC Fair, cont.
Other Promotions, cont.
OC Fair Flyer Express Friday-Sunday only
$2 general Fair admission coupon with use of designated OCTA shuttle service direct to the Fair from 7
different OCTA transit locations. Service hours are Friday 3 p.m.-Midnight and Saturday-Sunday 10 a.m.Midnight. Bus fare is $1.50 for one-way and $3 for round-trip. Visit octa.net/ocfairexpress for locations.
Del Taco Coupon
Receive $2 off general admission with coupon available at Del Taco locations.
Ralphs 5x5x5
Purchase at least $10 with your Ralphs Club Card at any Southern California Ralphs location and receive
a coupon to purchase up to 5 (five) OC Fair general admission tickets for only $5 each before 5 p.m.
Wednesday-Friday. Must present Ralphs receipt with included coupon at any Fair ticket booth to redeem
offer. Valid Noon-5 p.m. Wednesday-Friday, July 13-August 12.
Carnival Promotions
Pacific Amphitheatre & RCS Ticket Bounce-Back Nightly
One (1) free ride on La Grande Wheel in the Main Midway with each Pacific Amphitheatre concert ticket
stub. Redeemable at La Grande Wheel entrance the night of the concert, after the show.
$30 Unlimited Ride Wristband Wednesdays and Thursdays
Unlimited rides in the Main Midway and Kiddie Carnival for $30 and two free games.
Sold until 5 p.m. Valid until 8 p.m.
Fridays
$2 Rides and $2 Games
All rides and games are $2 each.
Sold until 4 p.m.
Fun Pass Daily
Sold daily in increments of $5, $10, $50 and $100. Valid for rides and games in the Main Midway and
Kiddie Carnival.
Fast Pass
Daily
Get to the front of the ride line with a Fast Pass for $20 (one time use). Valid for rides in the Main Midway
and Kiddie Carnival.
Seniors Day Fridays
Seniors (60+) can enjoy free Ferris wheel and merry-go-round rides.
We Care Wednesday Wednesdays, Noon-4 p.m.
Receive a free carnival ride (valid day of donation only) with an appropriate donation to any of the four
We Care Wednesday community drives (July 18, 25 and August 1, 8 Noon-4 p.m.). See the “We Care
Wednesday” description above for specific donation requirements.
Read & Ride
Daily
Children ages 5-11 who read two books and complete the online book report form (available at ocfair.com/
readandride) will receive three free carnival rides. Completed forms can be redeemed for the ride passes at
the Information Booth in the Centennial Farm area during regular Fair hours.
Ray Cammack Shows (RCS) of Laveen, Ariz., offers two midways at the OC Fair: Main Midway features rides and games for adults
and older children. Kiddie Carnival features rides and games for toddlers and younger children.
6
Headline Entertainment
The OC Fair is proud to offer Fairgoers three complexes within its gates featuring premiere
entertainment for Fairgoers including original concerts, action sports and the best in tribute bands.
Pacific Amphitheatre
Under the Orange County summer night sky, Fairgoers can rock out with artists including Willie Nelson,
Scotty McCreery, Young The Giant, Sheryl Crow, Duran Duran Tears For Fears, Matisyahu, Earth, Wind &
Fire, Victoria Justice, Cinderella, “Weird Al” Yankovic and more.
With 8,500 fixed seats, the Pacific Amphitheatre offers an intimate concert experience. All Pacific
Amphitheatre concert tickets include free Fair admission on that day and a free ride on the La Grande
Wheel in the Carnival.
See page 8 for schedule.
The Hangar
In this aviation hangar-type building with a 50-foot arched ceiling and 23,000-square-foot exhibit space,
Fairgoers can enjoy the best in tribute bands covering pop and rock favorites such as U2, Journey, Neil
Diamond, Prince, Motley Crue, Rolling Stones and No Doubt, in addition to original bands such as The
English Beat, The Originalites, Ottmar Liebert & Luna Negra and Tenth Avenue North.
See page 9 for schedule.
Action Sports Arena
If it will cause adrenaline to flow or crowds to cheer, it will be featured in the Action Sports Arena. Actionpacked lineups include traditional and motor home demolition derbies, motorcycle speedway, bull riding,
BMX, canine agility demonstrations and more.
See page 10 for schedule.
7
Summer Concert Series at Pacific Amphitheatre
Capacity: 8,500 seats
Tickets can be purchased at the OC Fair & Event Center Box Office at the Pacific Amphitheatre,
all Ticketmaster outlets, online at ticketmaster.com, or by phone (800) 745-3000.
Ticket prices vary for each concert and include free Fair admission. All acts are subject to
change without notice.
Visit ocfair.com for an updated entertainment list.
Jul 13
Jul 14
Willie Nelson & Family
The Happy Together Tour
8 p.m.
8:15 p.m.
Jul 15
Jul 18
Jul 19
Jul 20
Jul 21
Jul 22
Jul 25
Jul 26
Jul 27
Jul 28
Jul 29
Aug 1
Aug 2
Aug 3
Aug 4
Aug 5
Aug 8
Aug 9
Aug 10
Aug 11
Aug 12
Matisyahu / Katchafire
Scotty McCreery / Attwater
Adam Lambert
Bachman & Turner / Foghat
Cody Simpson / Madasen McGrath
Young The Giant / The Steelwells
Sheryl Crow / honeyhoney
Hot Chelle Rae / Allstar Weekend
Steel Pulse With Very Special Guest The Dirty Heads Earth, Wind & Fire
Three Dog Night / The Guess Who
Tears For Fears
Victoria Justice / Max Schneider
Cinderella / Sebastian Bach
The Fab Four / Surfin’ Safari
Jeff Dunham
The All-American Rejects
Heart
Martina McBride
Duran Duran
“Weird Al” Yankovic
7 p.m.
8:15 p.m.
7:45 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
8:15 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
8 p.m.
7:45 p.m.
7 p.m.
8 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
8:15 p.m.
8:15 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
8 p.m.
8 p.m.
7:30 p.m.
8:15 p.m.
8:15 p.m.
8 p.m.
8 p.m.
The Turtles Featuring Flo & Eddie, Micky Dolenz of The Monkees,
Gary Puckett & The Union Gap, The Grass Roots and The Buckinghams
Credentials for OC Fair events requiring an additional/separate ticket will be issued separately from those
issued for the Fair. All credentials will be issued for individual shows, subject to criteria established by the
artist, artist management, and the venue. Please visit ocfair.com/credentials to submit concert requests.
8
The Hangar at the 2012 OC Fair
Capacity: 1,150 seats
Tickets can be purchased at the OC Fair & Event Center Box Office at the Pacific Amphitheatre, all
Ticketmaster outlets, online at ticketmaster.com, or by phone (800) 745-3000. Ticket prices vary
for each concert and include free Fair admission. All acts are subject to change without notice.
Visit ocfair.com for an updated entertainment list.
Jul 13
Jul 14
Jul 15
Jul 18
Jul 19
Jul 20
Jul 21
Journey Unauthorized - A Salute to the Music of Journey
“Led Zeppelin Live” Starring Heartbreaker
TNT - Paying Tribute to AC/DC
Purple Reign - THE Prince Tribute Show
Queen Nation - A Tribute to the Music of Queen
The Cured - The Cure Tribute Experience
The Joshua Tree - A Tribute to U2
8:30 p.m.
8:30 p.m.
8:30 p.m.
8:30 p.m.
8:30 p.m.
8:30 p.m.
8:30 p.m.
Jul 22
Jul 25
Jul 25
Jul 26
Jul 27
Jul 28
Tenth Avenue North
OC Fair Celebrity Chef: Robert Irvine (Free with Fair Admission)
Wild Child - A Jim Morrison Celebration
No Duh - The Ultimate No Doubt / Gwen Stefani Concert Tribute Experience
Elton – The Early Years – The Best of Early Elton Recreated
Jumping Jack Flash
8:15 p.m.
1 p.m.
8:30 p.m.
8:30 p.m.
8:30 p.m.
8:30 p.m.
Jul 29
Aug 1
Aug 2
Aug 2
Aug 3
Aug 4
Aug 5
Aug 8
Aug 9
Aug 10
Aug 11
Aug 12
The English Beat / The Originalites
“The Music of ABBA” - Arrival From Sweden
OC Fair Celebrity Chef: Fabio Viviani (Free with Fair Admission)
Motley Inc / Pyromania – Tributes to Motley Crue and Def Leppard
Hot August Night – A Neil Diamond Tribute
Which One’s Pink? - The Best of Pink Floyd
Ottmar Liebert & Luna Negra
Moonwalker – The Reflection of Michael Jackson
Night Fever – The Bee Gees Tribute
Strangelove – The Ultimate Tribute to Depeche Mode
Dead Man’s Party – The Oingo Boingo Tribute
Mariachi Sol de Mexico de Jose Hernandez
7 p.m.
8:30 p.m.
1 p.m.
8:30 p.m.
8:30 p.m.
8:30 p.m.
8:30 p.m.
8:30 p.m.
8:30 p.m.
8:30 p.m.
8:30 p.m.
6 p.m.
Commemorating the 25th anniversary of U2’s The Joshua Tree by performing
the album in its entirety
Celebrating The Stones’ 50th Anniversary with Special Guests
Credentials for OC Fair events requiring an additional/separate ticket will be issued separately from those
issued for the Fair. All credentials will be issued for individual shows, subject to criteria established by the
artist, artist management, and the venue. Please visit ocfair.com/credentials to submit concert requests.
9
Action Sports Arena
Capacity: Varies per show.
All Action Sports Arena events offer limited non-reserved general admission seating free with
Fair admission. Reserved seating is also available for all shows at varying prices and includes
free Fair admission.
Reserved seats can be purchased at the OC Fair & Event Center Box Office at the Pacific
Amphitheatre, all Ticketmaster outlets, online at ticketmaster.com, or by phone (800) 745-3000.
Jul 13
X-Treme Freestyle Moto-X
8 p.m.
Jul 14
38th Annual Speedway Fair Derby
8 p.m.
Jul 15
OC Fair Kart Racing Challenge
6 p.m.
Jul 18
Extreme Rodeo
8 p.m.
Jul 19
Bull Riding
8 p.m.
Jul 20
Extreme Rodeo
8 p.m.
Jul 21
Bull Riding
8 p.m.
Jul 22
Fiesta del Charro
7 p.m.
Jul 25-26
ASA BMX Big-Air Triples
8 p.m.
Jul 27
SummerFist V – Mixed Martial Arts
7:30 p.m.
Jul 28
Ultimate Dodgeball Championships
6 p.m.
Jul 29
OC Police Canine Association Show
2 p.m., 4 p.m. & 6 p.m.
Aug 1-5
Jump! The Ultimate Dog Show
4 p.m., 6 p.m. & 8 p.m. daily
Aug 8 & 11
Orange Crush Demolition Derby
8 p.m. each show date
Aug 9 & 12
Motor Home Madness Demolition Derby
8 p.m. (Aug. 9) & 7 p.m. (Aug. 12)
Damsels of Destruction Demolition Derby
8 p.m.
Aug 10
Benefitting Komen OC For The Cure
Credentials for OC Fair events requiring an additional/separate ticket will be issued separately from those
issued for the Fair. All credentials will be issued for individual shows, subject to criteria established by the
artist, artist management, and the venue. Please visit ocfair.com/credentials to submit concert requests.
10
Attractions, Entertainment & Exhibits
New Attractions in 2012
Chocolate Unwrapped: Beans, Bars & Bon Bons
This exhibit in the Exhibit Promenade puts the “sweet” in “Home Sweet Home.” Learn how chocolate is
made, from the bean to the bar at daily demonstrations by Xan Confections of Irvine and more. Free with
Fair admission.
Let Freedom Ring Exhibit & Salute to Heroes
The new Let Freedom Ring exhibit, on display daily, will feature pieces of steel beam from the World Trade
Center. Fairgoers can also view from outside The Hangar a Salute to Heroes presentation featuring a
4-minute video accompanied by fireworks and a laser show at 8:20 p.m. daily. Free with Fair admission.
Museum of Neon Art
A brilliant collection of neon art relating to this year’s “Home Sweet Home” theme, including “Pop Shark”
by world-renowned artist Michael Fletchner. On display in the Visual Arts Gallery.
Karaoke Rockstarz
Every night on the Meadows Stage, Fairgoers can feel like real rock stars with this karaoke-meets-live-band
mix. Karaoke is first-come, first-served and begins at 7 p.m. Free with Fair admission.
Yarn Bombing
The OC Fair will get “bombed” with colorful yarn and crochet creations July 15 in Fair Square. Fairgoers are
invited to join in the fun regardless of their knitting or crotching experience. Check-in is 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Free
with Fair admission.
OC Fair Celebrity Chefs
Chef Robert Irvine, host of the Food Network’s hit show “Dinner Impossible,” comes to The Hangar,
Thursday, July 26 at 1 p.m. Celebrity chef and “Top Chef” superstar Fabio Viviani appears on stage in The
Hangar on Thursday, August 2 at 1 p.m.
Girl Scouts: From Cookie Pro to CEO - 100 Years of Building Leaders
In honor of the Girl Scouts’ 100th anniveray, this informational and inspirational exhibit celebrates the
organization’s beginnings and present, displaying the strength and success of Girl Scouts USA. On Friday,
July 27, the first 100 Fairgoers through the Fair’s Blue Gate (main entrance) receive free Girl Scout Cookies
and, throughout the day, local Girl Scouts will lead demonstrations, perform and much more. Viewing the
exhibit is free with Fair admission.
Oasis Camel Dairy
The Oasis Camel Dairy brings a unique agricultural, historical and scientific display to the 2012 Fair
August 1-12. This new exhibit blends the camels’ colorful, ancient history with today’s new discoveries.
Milking demonstrations take place each day at 1:30, 3:30 and 5:30 p.m. Free with Fair admission.
11
Attractions, Entertainment & Exhibits, cont.
Other Featured Attractions & Events
Pogopalooza
Things get jumping at the OC Fair when pogo athletes gather July 26-28 in Fair Square to attempt to break
world records and vie for the world championship title. Free with Fair admission.
Budweiser Clydesdales
From August 1-12, the Fair will welcome back the iconic Budweiser Clydesdales in a daily hitch and
parade alongside a daily exhibit featuring historical information and grooming, as well as Q&A with the
Clydesdales’ handlers. Daily hitch preperation at 4 p.m. and parade through the Fair at 5 p.m. Free with
Fair admission.
OC Fair Fun Run
On Sunday, August 5, hundreds of participants will run, walk and skip through the Fair. For those not
concerned with finishing first, they can partake in rides, games and more on this special 5K route before
the Fair opens to the public. Organized in conjunction with the OC Marathon, the 5K starts at 7:30 a.m.
Pre-registration is available at ocfair5k.com. A fundraiser pancake breakfast benefitting the Centennial
Farm Foundation will be held the same day starting at 6:30 a.m. in the Farm for $7 a person. Fun Run
participants receive one free meal ticket for the breakfast.
Grounds & Community Entertainment
As visitors stroll through the Fair, they will encounter clowns, games and magicians—all presenting another
facet of the Fair’s amusement offerings. Various stages throughout the Fair host a wide variety of amateur
performers from Orange County to entertain Fairgoers, including dancers, karate practitioners, aerobics
demonstrators, vocalists, instrumentalists and cultural groups.
All-Alaskan Racing Pigs
See the swiftest swine compete for a cookie as the audience cheers them on. Races are held several times
a day in the Livestock Area.
Russell Brothers Circus
This family circus delights Fairgoers young and old with winsome acts. The circus is unique in the creative
way it uses the performers and audience instead of animals. Located on Commerce Lane near Green
Gate.
Petting Zoos
Get a close look and learn and come face-to-face with all kinds of animals. One petting zoo is located
on Commerce Lane near Green Gate and Kiddie Carnival. A second petting zoo, All Creatures Great and
Small, is on Livestock Lane near Yellow Gate and features llamas, a mini-horse or donkey, potbelly pigs and
more.
Contests for All Ages
The Fair offers exciting contests, includes eating contests, for all ages in the Fun Zone Tent along with
the special contests for seniors on the Meadows Stage on Senior’s Day (Fridays). Plus Knott’s Berry Farm
presents a daily pie eating contest at 7 p.m. on the Promenade Stage (registration begins at 6:30 p.m.) All
participants receive ribbons.
12
Attractions, Entertainment & Exhibits, cont.
Other Featured Attractions & Events, cont.
Country Meadows
Country Meadows features various food vendors, including the larger-than-life Outlaw Grill and the
Meadows Stage, which hosts a variety of community entertainment.
Fair Square
As visitors enter the Fair through the Blue Gate (Main Gate), they will get their first taste of the OC Fair in
the Fair Square, featuring food, merchandise and roving entertainment.
Fun Zone
The Fun Zone is an all-ages destination point located in the Family Fair Way, hosting hands-on activities,
exhibits, demonstrations, contests, games and a whole lot of fun.
Park Plaza
In addition to a variety of food vendors, Park Plaza features the Plaza Arts Stage, which features arts and
multicultural attractions in the day and hosts Hypnotist Mark Yuzuik and the Peking Acrobats nightly.
Gallery Stages
Three areas feature demonstrations and community entertainment related to competitive entries:
• Visual Arts, Culinary Arts and Crafts & Hobbies: Promenade Stage
• Youth: Fun Zone Stage
• Livestock : Livestock Showring
Centennial Farm
This year-round, four-acre demonstration farm is dedicated to agricultural education, highlighting
California’s rich agricultural heritage. More than 30 different crops can be seen growing in the raised beds.
The wide variety of farm animals includes cows, sheep, pigs, goats, rabbits, chickens and oxen. During Fair,
expect one or more of the sows to give birth to a litter of piglets that can be seen in their pen. Fairgoers
can also get their hands dirty in the vermiculture display showing how earthworms help to produce
bountiful fruits and vegetables. Agriculture-focused exhibitors, including UCCE Master Gardeners, are in the
Agriculture in the Community are located just outside the Silo Building. The Farm is located at the south
end of Centennial Way.
Millennium Barn
Cow milking demonstrations are held daily in the Millennium Barn during the Fair. Also featured daily are
an exhibit by Heifer International and leather crafting demonstrations.
Rare Fruit Growers
Members of the Orange County Rare Fruit Growers Association display exotic and unusual fruits while
answering questions about fruit trees at their gazebo located at the southeast side of Gallery 15.
Orange County Beekeepers Association
Located on the southwest side of Gallery 15, the OC Beekeepers provide an educational display of bees
and beekeeping, along with an observation hive where Fairgoers can see a colony of live bees.
13
Food at the 2012 OC Fair
$2 Taste of Fair Food
Every Friday, Noon-4 p.m.
Get a sampling of the tasty food at the 2012 OC Fair for only $2 each. Fun-sized samples include funnel
cake, BBQ tri-tip, lemonade, cinnamon rolls, corn dogs, tacos, gelato, cotton candy and more.
Food Truck Fare at the OC Fair
Every Thursday, Noon-10 p.m.
The Fair will mix-up the food offerings for Fairgoers by hosting gourmet food trucks offering not-your-average
Fair food items like creative grilled cheese sandwiches, gourmet sliders, bacon delicacies and more. Access
to the food trucks is free with Fair admission and food prices vary per truck.
OC Fair Chowdown: Home Cook vs. Pro Chef and Food Truck vs. Food Truck
Watch the best of the best face-off for culinary glory in a series of live cooking challenges. On July 19 and
28, see food truck chefs go head-to-head in competition as they put their delicacies to the test. On August
2 and 9, see Orange County amateur home cooks test their skills against professional chefs. Winners
will receive bragging rights and an award to commemorate their culinary victory. Viewing is free with Fair
admission.
New Foods
Chicken Charlie
If you like your food deep-fried, battered and on a stick, the 2012 Fair is the place for you. This year, Fairfavorite Chicken Charlie is taking fried food to the next level by deep frying cereal, peanut butter and jelly,
spam, pineapple and more.
Bacon A-Fair
At the new Bacon A-Fair, choose from bacon-wrapped turkey legs, deep-fried beer-battered bacon-wrapped
hot dogs or the Smokey Porkabello, a bacon-wrapped mushroom with smoked Gouda.
Pineapple Express
Not into the deep-fried thing? Then float on over to the new Pineapple Express (cortesy of Chicken Charlie)
which features cored out pineapples filled with shrimp cocktail, grilled shrimp, chicken and more.
The Big Rib
Calling all carnivores! Looking to feed your wild side? Come to Biggy’s Meat Market for The Big Rib, a twopound beef rib on a 17-inch bone, with your choice of homemade sauce.
Celebrity Chefs
The 2012 OC Fair presents two shows in The Hangar featuring dynamic celebrity chefs demonstrating their
culinary talents. Scheduled appearances include the Food Network’s Robert Irvine (July 26, 1 p.m.) and
Bravo’s “Top Chef” fan-favorite Fabio Viviani (August 2, 1 p.m.). Free with Fair admission.
Contests & Exhibits
Daily free eating contests are held in the Fun Zone Tent at 6:30 p.m. for children and Fairgoers of all ages
can compete in the nightly Knott’s Pie Eating Contest on the Promenade Stage at 7 p.m. (Registration begins
6:30 p.m.) Each Saturday, Fairgoers have the chance to compete in the Culinary Arts Special Contests, which
are judged live at the Fair for the best cookies, cupcakes, chili and hometown dish (Online entry registration
is the Wednesday before each contest. Visit ocfair.com/competitions for information and to register.)
Chocolate Unwrapped: This new exhibit in the Exhibit Promenade puts the “sweet” in “Home Sweet Home.”
Come learn how chocolate is made, from the bean to the bar. Complete with demonstrations by Xan
Confections.
14
Competitions & Contests
Entries & Premiums
More than $200,000 is being offered in cash premium awards to competitive entrants at this year’s Fair.
In 2011, more than $73,000 was paid in cash prizes for award-winning OC Fair entries. There were 4,388
participants entering 15,902 exhibits in competitive departments.
Visit ocfair.com/competitions for details about the various competitions.
Competitive Departments
Culinary Arts
Crafts & Hobbies
Collections
Fiber Arts
Hand Crafts & Hobbies
Jewelry Arts
Fine Arts
Woodworking
Photography & Non-Traditional Prints
Sculpture
Painting
Graphics
Many Faces of the Fair
Garden & Floral
Fruit & Vegetables
Cut Flowers
Indoor & Outdoor Plants
Arrangements
Livestock
Junior Livestock Auction (Saturday, July 21, at 9:30 a.m.)
Livestock Shows
Fashion Shows
Barnyard Fashion Parade (Thursday, July 26, at 6 p.m.)
Commercial Wine and Homemade Beer
Award-winning commercial wine and other entries may be sampled in The Courtyard. Educational wine
seminars are presented Saturday and Sunday afternoons, seating is limited. The additional admission
fee includes a flight of eight wines, on OC Fair commemorative wine glass, one 2012 Awards Book and
assorted nibbles. Register on-site or at ocws.org.
15
Shopping at the OC Fair
Carnival, Parade and Festival of Products
Hundreds of commercial exhibitors selling everything from hats to home improvement tools to products that
appeal to all ages. Two buildings and a breezeway feature new and favorite products only found at fairs and
festivals.
Located in the Main Mall
Crafters Village
This quaint, woodsy area features artisan’s demonstrations, offering their handcrafted wares for sale.
Located on Country Lane between Centennial Farm and Park Plaza areas
Market Place Village
Select vendors from the Orange County Market Place return to the OC Fair to offer a slice of the popular
Market Place generally held on weekends outside the annual OC Fair.
Located near Green Gate
16
The OC Fair
STATE OF CALIFORNIA
32ND DISTRICT AGRICULTURAL ASSOCIATION
Board of Directors
Members of the Board of Directors are appointed by the governor of California and serve a four-year term without
compensation. Board members, who may serve more than one term, serve until a replacement is appointed.
Regular Board meetings are held the fourth Thursday of each month at OCFEC. The Fair Board’s role is to set and
approve policies for the organization.
Joyce Tucker
Chair
Newport Beach
Douglas La Belle
Vice-Chair
Costa Mesa
David Ellis
Newport Coast
Kristina Dodge
Monarch Bay
Ali Jahangiri
Newport Beach
Nick Berardino
Lake Forest
Gerardo Mouet
Santa Ana
Ashleigh Aitken
Anaheim
Stan Tkaczyk
Newport Beach
Executive Staff
Jerome Hoban
CEO
Sharon Augenstein
Chief Financial Officer
Michele Richards
Chief Business Development Officer
17
The OC Fair, cont.
History of the OC Fair
Shortly after Orange County was founded in 1889, the Orange County Community Fair Corporation 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.
Past 10 Years: Themes and Attendance
2011
2010
2009
2008
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2002
“Let’s Eat” “The Beat Goes On” “Think. Big.” “Say Cheese” “Cowabunga! – The Year of Herefords, Surfers & Sand”
“Flower Power – Year of the Garden” “It’s Callin’ You Out To Play – the Year of the Avocado”
“Jammin’ at the Fair – the Year of the Grape”
“Red, Ripe and Rockin’—the Year of the Tomato”
“Leap Into the Fair—We’re Making a Big Splash”
California’s Top 5 Fairs in 2011
Los Angeles County Fair
San Diego County Fair OC Fair
California State Fair (Sacramento)
Big Fresno Fair
1,491,213
1,412,112
1,400,280
736,355
549,155
18
1,400,280
1,154,969
1,072,018
1,067,623
1,090,653
924,315
1,058,192
963,984
881,596
898,197
2012 OC Fair Style Guide
Action Sports Arena
Centennial Farm
Four-acre demonstration farm
All-Alaskan Racing Pigs
Fair
Capitalized when referring to the annual OC Fair.
Blue Gate
Main pedestrian gate located inside Gate 1 off Fair
Drive. Features Guest Relations Booth and a temporary
drop-off/pick-up area.
Green Gate
Pedestrian gate on the west side of the Fair, inside Gate
4 off Arlington Drive.
Buildings/Areas
Action Sports Arena
Centennial Farm
Crafters Village
Crafts & Woodworking Gallery
Country Meadows
Courtyard
Exhibit Promenade
Fair Square
Family Fair Way
Fun Zone
Gallery 15: Floral & Woodworking
Garden & Floral Pavilion
The Hangar
Ice Museum
Livestock
Livestock Showring
Main Mall
Market Place Village
Meadows Stage
Memorial Gardens
Millennium Barn
Orange County Connection
Pacific Amphitheatre
Park Plaza
Promenade Stage
Silo Building
The Hangar
Visual Arts Gallery
The Hangar
“Home Sweet Home”
2012 OC Fair theme
La Grande Wheel
Largest touring Ferris wheel in North America.
Toyota Summer Concert Series at
Pacific Amphitheatre
OC Fair
or 2012 OC Fair
OC Fair & Event Center
or OCFEC
(no longer Orange County Fairgrounds or Costa Mesa
Fairgrounds)
Yellow Gate
Pedestrian gate on the east side of the Fair, nearest to
Gate 8 off Arlington Drive.
19
Media Guidelines
The following guidelines apply to the annual OC Fair, The Youth Expo Experience, OC Fair New Year’s Eve Block Party
and any administrative/organizational functions regarding the OC Fair & Event Center
(32nd District Agricultural Association) and are to be observed at all times. Outside events held at the
OC Fair & Event Center are at the discretion of the individual promoter.
These guidelines have been established for the safety and comfort our guests and staff.
Thank you for your cooperation.
• All media representatives with video and/or TV, photo or radio equipment must be escorted by an assigned
representative of the OC Fair & Event Center’s Communications Department at all times while on OC Fair &
Event Center property. Unescorted access will be granted on a case-by-case basis by the Communications
Department only. Please contact the department at least one day in advance to set up your visit.
• All photo/radio/video/TV media representatives are to remain in general public areas only and are not
allowed in any restricted, staff-only or special ticketed areas except by special permission and/or escort by
the Communications Department.
• Taping, filming and photographing inside shows in the Pacific Amphitheatre, The Hangar, Action Sports
Arena and any other special event is allowed by special permission from the Communications Department
and in some cases, the performers themselves. The Communications Department has promotional images
for all performers and maintains an archive of previous performances that can be requested by members of
the media via email to commdept [at] ocfair [dot] com.
• For the safety of all riders, photo/video/TV cameras, tape recorders and mobile phones with video are not
allowed on any ride or attraction except by special permission from the Communications Department and
the carnival operator.
The Communications Department maintains a library of B-roll footage and still photos of carnival rides and
attractions that are available to members of the media by request via email to commdept [at] ocfair [dot]
com.
• Media representatives may interview OC Fair & Event Center staff with consent of the staff member and the
Communications Department. Please contact the department to set up a time.
• Media representatives and all associated production activities are asked not to inconvenience Fairgoers or
regular business activities in any way by blocking access or filming an individual without consent.
Press passes are for working media only. Please do not use press passes for personal access.
The OC Fair & Event Center reserves the right to deny access to anyone who does not
respect and comply to these guidelines.
OC Fair & Event Center, Communications Department • 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 • (714) 708-1543 • commdept@ocfair.com • ocfair.com
Updated 4/9/12
20