History of OC Fair & Event Center in Timeline

The OC Fair & Event Center (OCFEC) is a 150-acre event venue in Costa Mesa, California, hosting over 150 events and attracting 4.3 million visitors each year. Key features include the annual Orange County Fair, Centennial Farm, Costa Mesa Speedway, and the Pacific Amphitheatre, making it a significant hub for entertainment and community events in Orange County.

1916: Transfer to the Orange County Farm Bureau

In 1916, the Orange County Fair was passed to the Orange County Farm Bureau.

1925: Transfer to an Orange County Fair Board and Relocation to Anaheim

In 1925, the Orange County Fair was passed to an Orange County Fair Board and relocated to Anaheim.

1949: Formation of the 32nd District Agricultural Association

In 1949, the OCFEC was managed by the 32nd District Agricultural Association, a state special-purpose district in the Division of Fairs and Expositions of the California Department of Food and Agriculture. This association was formed in 1949, and its board is appointed by the Governor of California.

1953: Costa Mesa Incorporation

In 1953, the fairgrounds became part of the City of Costa Mesa at the latter's incorporation.

March 18, 2009: President Barack Obama Town Hall Meeting

On March 18, 2009, President Barack Obama held a town hall meeting at the venue during his visit to Southern California.

May 2009: Governor Schwarzenegger Recommended Sale of Orange County Fairgrounds

In May 2009, then Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger recommended the Orange County Fairgrounds be listed for sale, deeming them "surplus or underutilized" despite high visitor numbers and frequent community activities. This led to controversy and intervention from the Orange County Fairgrounds Preservation Society, who opposed the sale.

January 27, 2011: OCFEC Board of Directors Policy Statement Regarding Fairgrounds Sale

After a closed session on January 27, 2011, the OCFEC Board of Directors issued a policy statement regarding the potential sale of the fairgrounds.

February 8, 2011: Letter Sent to Governor Jerry Brown

On February 8, 2011, the 32nd District Agricultural Association sent a letter to Governor Jerry Brown regarding the fairgrounds.

February 2011: Governor Jerry Brown Comments on Fairgrounds Sale

In February 2011, California Governor Jerry Brown told the Los Angeles Times that selling real estate was not ideal and his predecessor's plan would cost taxpayers more. Assemblyman Jose Solorio (D-Santa Ana) viewed Brown's comments positively.