Welcome to 2003! We've just ended another successful year, which included one of our best Fairs yet, and are well on our way to bringing you a new year full of fun and entertainment for the entire family.

There are many exciting changes in store in 2003. For starters, I'm pleased to tell you that the annual Fair will extend its run from 17 days to 21 days beginning Friday, July 11, and closing on Sunday, August 3. Due to the gradual increase in attendance over the last several years, it made sense for us to add four days to the schedule so we can better accommodate growth and provide a more comfortable experience for our Fair patrons. The Fair will close on Mondays (July 14, 21 and 28), which will give our employees a break in the action to refresh the Fair, restock and rejuvenate.

I'm also happy to tell you that after a very long hiatus, the Pacific Amphitheatre will reopen during the summer Fair with nightly concerts throughout the 21-day event. Tickets will be sold for the 8,500-seat theater, while the Grandstand Arena will host our traditional free concert series with two shows nightly.

Leading up to the Fair, we'll host a number of events that are sure to draw a crowd, including the return of America's Family Pet Expo in April followed by the 24th annual Youth Expo in May.

I'm looking forward to the coming year and all of the wonderful events the Orange County Fair & Exposition Center has to offer. I encourage you to join us along with your family and friends for what will be a fun and eventful 2003.

Ruben Smith
President, Board of Directors
Orange County Fair & Exposition Center