After accomplishing so much in 2005, the new year is upon us and there is plenty to look forward to in 2006.

On the immediate horizon is Youth Expo, April 7-9. Our 27th year is where "Best Buds Meet" as we salute "fun, flowers and friendship." Youth Expo is a wonderful family event featuring school projects, a science fair, carnival rides, food, pettting zoos and educational exhibits for all ages. And best of all, it is free for the whole family.

Of course, summer wouldn't be summer without the OC Fair, July 7-30. This year's OC Fair hopes to be bigger and better than ever, which is saying a lot since in 2005 we set our all-time attendance record, welcoming more than 1 million guests over the 21 days of Fair. This year's theme is "Flower Power - the year of the garden." So, mark your calendars. Don't be left out of Orange County's biggest event of the summer.

Along with the Fair, we also welcome the 2006 Pacific Amphitheatre Summer Concert Series featuring some of the brightest stars in music. Since reopening in 2003, the Pacific Amphitheatre has hosted some amazing shows and this year will be no different. Visit www.ocfair.com and sign up for the Pacific Amphitheatre newsletter to get advance notice on upcoming shows and special offers only available to subscribers.

And this is just the beginning. We have plenty of great events planned for the next 12 months and we hope you will be a part of the excitement.

Peggy Haidl
President, Board of Directors
Orange County Fair & Exposition Center