COSTA MESA, Calif. (CNS) — The Orange County Fair of 2023 kicked off on Friday, showcasing a range of thrilling experiences. This year’s edition introduces a captivating new exhibit, marking its first since the pandemic, while also welcoming back cherished favorites.
“We are thrilled to unveil a unique, custom-made exhibit centered around the art of music,” expressed Michele Richards, CEO of the Orange County Fair, during an interview with City News Service. “Spanning an entire exhibit building, it offers visitors a nostalgic journey through iconic album art, resembling a captivating walk-through experience.”
The exhibit proudly showcases original, hand-painted billboards that were once used to promote now-legendary albums, explained Richards.
In 2021, when the fair made its triumphant return following a pandemic-induced hiatus, the focus was on preserving the fair’s timeless traditions and managing crowd sizes, according to Richards.
“With limited opportunities over the past two years due to the pandemic, we felt it was crucial to reintroduce a signature exhibit,” Richards shared. “Having previously collaborated with a company specializing in smaller projects, we were approached a couple of years ago with the idea of creating this exhibit.”
The concept resonated with the fair’s organizers, capturing their attention and fueling their excitement. “Watching it come to life every day has been a truly incredible experience,” Richards added.
The company responsible for acquiring the billboards, originally displayed on prominent streets like Sunset Boulevard during album releases, ensured their preservation despite their fragmented state.
Richards listed an array of music icons featured on the billboards, including Madonna, David Bowie, Prince, Tom Jones, and the Smashing Pumpkins. “The exhibit spans music from the ’40s and ’50s to the present day,” she stated.
To ensure a delightful experience for visitors, crowd control measures remain in effect this year, with on-site ticket purchases unavailable. All attendees are required to purchase tickets online in advance. The fair’s organizers believe that smaller crowds contribute to a more enjoyable atmosphere for guests.
“Our decision is rooted in the comfort and satisfaction of our guests and the surrounding neighborhoods,” emphasized Richards. “By controlling attendance, we can provide an enhanced experience for everyone.”
Under this year’s “Happy Together” theme, the fair presents the opportunity to obtain a “super pass,” granting access to every day of the event, excluding Mondays and Tuesdays, until August 13. “For only $60, visitors can attend any or every day, even when tickets are sold out,” revealed Richards.
A new addition to the fair is the availability of unlimited water at no cost for those who bring their own thermos or bottle. Filling stations located throughout the fairgrounds allow visitors to refill their containers with chilled, filtered water. Additionally, a souvenir water bottle is available for purchase, encouraging the fair’s mission to reduce the use of plastic water bottles.
“In our ongoing efforts to eliminate plastic water bottles at the OC Fair, we have established four water stations across the fairgrounds, offering free filtered water to our guests who bring empty water bottles,” disclosed Richards.
Adding to the excitement are three new carnival rides. “One of them is the Joker 360,” Richards mentioned. “We also have a thrilling new roller coaster called Rafter, which boasts an exhilarating design. And then there’s the Slingshot, a ride that propels riders 70 feet into the air, providing an unforgettable experience.”
When it comes to fair food, Richards expressed enthusiasm for this year’s delectable offerings. “We always have an array of crazy food at the fair, but we’re particularly excited about the new additions that cater to a wide range of tastes,” she revealed.
Among the highlights is the Maple Bacon Smoothie, designed to captivate bacon enthusiasts. “We also have a fruit pizza and deep-fried s’mores. I’m personally looking forward to trying those,” Richards admitted.
Furthermore, California Grill will exclusively serve vegan and vegetarian fare for the first time in fair history. “Our customers expressed their interest, and we are delivering on that request,” Richards emphasized.
The Pacific Amphitheatre will host an impressive lineup of concerts, featuring renowned artists such as Smokey Robinson, Dwight Yoakam, Cheap Trick, Chicago, Styx, George Thorogood, and X, who are post-punk pioneers.
“Beck will be joining us on August 9,” announced Richards. “And each night, we will have fantastic tribute bands performing in the Hangar.”
In addition to the exciting new attractions, the fair is proud to reintroduce some beloved classics. “The rodeo is making its grand return after being absent for the past few years,” revealed Richards. “If you’ve attended the fair in recent years, you’re in for a multitude of new discoveries, along with the return of all your favorites. It’s a chance to both explore and rediscover the magic of the Orange County Fair.”