The Orange County Fair & Exposition Center will again plant the seeds for creativity and innovation in today's youth during the 27th annual Youth Expo, held April 7-9, as it celebrates fun, friendship and flowers.

"Where Best Buds Meet" in 2006, the free event will showcase the musical, scientific, artistic and intellectual skills of Orange County elementary, junior high and high school students in a variety of competitive and non-competitive events.

Hundreds of student entries on display for the 51st annual Orange County Science and Engineering Fair prove that science can be cool. Budding scientists and engineers from throughout the county will showcase their inventions, experiments and research throughout the run of Youth Expo.

Hardhats, hammers and electric tools will invade the fairgrounds for a second year with the 17th annual Home Builders Council (HBC) Design Build Competition. The two-day event, Saturday and Sunday, challenges high school, community college, Youth Build and Regional Future stars of the stage, television and movies will make their earliest attempts at stardom 16th annual Youth Expo Jazz Festival to show who are the coolest young cats in the county. Novice and advance competitions will take place Friday and in the 24th annual Youth Expo Talent Search. Entrants, Occupation Program (ROP) teams on their abilities to design and build structures under professional scrutiny and time constraints.

Junior and senior high school jazz bands will rock out for the 16th annual Youth Expo Jazz Festival to show who are the coolest young cats in the county. Novice and advance competitions will take place Friday and Saturday.

Future stars of the stage, television and movies will make their earliest attempts at stardom in the 24th annual Youth Expo Talent Search. Entrants, regardless of previous experience or agency affiliation, will try to sing, dance, act and perform their ways into the judges' favor on Saturday and Sunday.

Grilled-to-order hotdogs and hamburgers, gooey-cheese-covered tortilla chips, sugary cotton candy and more will be sold by local youth groups holding their annual fundraisers.

Free activities, arts and crafts will be hosted by local Girl Scout troops throughout Youth Expo. Learn how to train a dog or see what exciting adventures local troops have taken this year as you braid a lanyard keychain or get your hands dirty finger painting.

The 27th annual Youth Expo is open Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission and parking are free. For more information, visit www.ocfair.com.