According to a recent study by the California Department of Food and Agriculture, Division of Fairs & Expositions, California's network of fairs contributes over $2.5 billion to the state's economy while creating over 28,000 jobs and $136 million in state and local tax revenue. In addition, the study also notes the contribution fairs make to the social and cultural well-being of California's communities.

At the Orange County Fair & Exposition Center, we are pleased with the results of this study, as it has always been our vision and goal to make a positive social and economic impact on the community. As such, we have been diligently working for the past two years on a master plan that further benefits the public with an improved level of programming and opportunities.

Now nearing completion, the master plan for the Orange County Fair & Exposition Center outlines areas of the fairgrounds that are capable of accommodating a wide range of events and patrons in a manner that is safe, easy to access and flexible.

One area of the master plan is referred to as the Village Zone and is the grouping of exhibits buildings and paved plazas. Another is the Cultural Zone that is described as an outdoor park, which includes Centennial Farm, festival grounds and a revived amphitheatre. The Equestrian Zone is for the boarding and training of horses along with a temporary location for the newly created Centennial Ranch program. Also called out in the plan is a revitalized public edge to the property and a new agrarian entry zone. Additionally, 1,500 new parking spaces are proposed, adding to the almost 8,000 spaces currently in place. And finally, storage and maintenance facilities areplanned to support the infrastructure of public use buildings, facilities and spaces.

The next step for the master plan calls for public review of the draft Environmental Impact Report, which is scheduled for public review in March with an intended certification date of late May 2003. This document outlines the measures the Orange County Fair & Exposition Center would need to take in order to protect all aspects of the environment as proposed buildingprojects are implemented.

For over one hundred years the Orange County Fair & Exposition Center has been the connective fiber that weavesinnovation and tradition into the fabricof our community. And now, as weembark on a new era as outlined in the master plan, we are tremendously excited about the future and the continued contribution we will make to the economic, social and cultural well-being of Southern California.

Becky Bailey-Findley
CEO/General Manager
Orange County Fair & Exposition Center