Friday, April 26, 2024 (4:22 pm)

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,

NahlaKayali  is a Palestinian refugee from Syria who founded the nonprofit organization Access California Services (AccessCal) through perseverance and vision. Established in 1998, AccessCal now serves close to 12,000 underserved and vulnerable individuals, including immigrants and refugees each year with over 65,000 services.

The proclamation was presented by Director Dimetria Jackson and Director Natalie Rubalcava-Garcia, representing both the OC Fair Board of Directors and the 32nd District Agricultural Association.

(1:10 pm)

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 boarding and training activities. 

The Ranch Community Equine Center will effectively become an extension of the organization’s agriculture education programs in support of its mission, similar to the free public programming offered at Centennial Farm.

The Board has been working to continue the organization’s emphasis on education and to expand opportunities for the public to interact with, learn about and enjoy hands-on experiences with horses. The vision also includes providing equine-assisted therapy for veterans and others, conducting educational tours for students and community groups, hosting horse shows free to the public and developing hands-on equine exhibits.

“I’m very encouraged to see this new vision continue to move forward,” said Board Chair Nick Kovacevich. “It’s great to offer access to a broader group of public constituents who otherwise would never have the chance to experience these wonderful animals.”

At last month’s meeting, the Board voted to increase rental rates for current boarders to cover OCFEC’s costs for operating the boarding and training activities at the center. The Board also agreed that staff should continue to look for ways to reduce costs and pass along those savings in the form of rental reductions. Richards announced today that basic stall rental rates will be cut by $151 per month from the rates presented at the March Board meeting. Effective June 15 rental increases will be phased in three steps, resulting in the final increase on January 1, 2025, to $979 per month for a standard 12’x12’ stall.

“Now that we’ve provided a more optimistic outlook regarding rates at the equestrian center for boarders and trainers, I’m glad that staff can now focus on building on the bold public vision for The Ranch Community Equine Center,” said Richards.

Tuesday, April 16, 2024 (4:37 pm)

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 boundless enthusiasm and commitment, she embraced every opportunity, leaving an indelible mark on OCFEC and many who have had the pleasure of working alongside her.

What made Joan’s tenure truly remarkable was her deep connection to the organization and community. Beyond the responsibilities of her role, she fostered a sense of camaraderie and belonging that made OCFEC feel like home. Her wisdom and guidance served new and seasoned staffers, instilling in them a sense of purpose and pride in their work.

Throughout her time here, Joan contributed to many memorable moments, from Fair themes that brought joy to thousands (like “Cowabunga!” – a Fair theme involving intense collaboration that was a salute to Herefords, surfers and sand) to meaningful initiatives that touched the lives of our community’s youth. One of her fondest memories is taking Centennial Farm’s Ranch After-School Program kids to the state capital for CA Ag Day where they met CDFA’s former agriculture secretary and then-Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. Her passion and creativity have been contagious, inspiring those who have crossed her path.

As Joan embarks on a new chapter, we extend our deepest gratitude for her 31 years of dedicated service. Her legacy will endure as a testament to the power of passion, commitment and the profound impact one individual can have on an organization.

So here’s to Joan! As she takes leave, we say goodbye with heartfelt gratitude and warm wishes for all the adventures that lie ahead for her. Though she may be departing from our daily lives, her spirit will remain a part of the OCFEC family.

Thank you for shining bright and lighting the way for others to follow in your footsteps.

Friday, March 29, 2024 (3:56 pm)

(10:12 am)

The OC Fair & Event Center Board of Directors reaffirmed, on March 28, its plans to open up the fairgrounds’ equestrian center by introducing public programming centered around equine education, mental health support and entertainment for the whole community.

The new equine center model will provide greater access for the public to benefit from these free and low-cost programs.

Staff updated the Board on plans to host a free public horse show in June, one of the first programs developed by OC Fair staff for the public in the new plan. The organization’s Ranch After School Program will move from Centennial Farm to the new community equine center with plans for expanding to include many more student participants by providing agricultural education and hands-on learning experiences for local youth. Staff is partnering with the North Orange County Veterans Center to provide certified equine therapy to veterans and their families. And, soon, college veterinary tech students will use the center for experiential learning.

“We’re very excited to advance the Board’s vision for the community equine center. Our public programs will provide equine education, support and entertainment to the greater Orange County community and to those who may not otherwise have access to horses,” said OC Fair & Event Center CEO Michele Richards.

The new community equine center will continue to provide boarding and training activities for privately owned horses. The Board voted to approve new rental rates and facility usage plans to ensure the expense of operating the boarding and training activities is fully covered by tenants to avoid a gift of public funds. A three-phase approach to rent adjustments will start with a 45 percent increase in June, followed by 10 percent adjustments in October and January 2025.

“We are excited to continue making progress toward the future of the equine center, where we can maintain the legacy horse boarders, while also taking direct control of the expansive public programming soon to be offered,” said OC Fair Board Chair Nick Kovacevich. “Under the new model, it’s critical that as state property, the rental fees charged to private tenants cover our operating expenses for boarding and training.”

Kovacevich also emphasized that, by opening up a sizable portion of the facility to public programming, the District can now use state funds to directly support programs for the public at large. 

He says the Board has been moving toward a more equitable use of horse property on the fairgrounds and looks forward to providing equine education, entertainment and therapeutic opportunities with certified partners, in addition to more open access for all in Orange County to the benefits horses provide.

For the media:

Board meeting agenda and packet 3.28.24: https://ocfair.com/publicmeetings/board-of-directors-meeting-march-28-2024/

Equestrian center rate background and comparisons: https://s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/ocfair.com/wpcontent/uploads/2024/03/22154516/24_03_Item9B_New_EQC_Rental_Rates.pdf