The 2023 OC Fair is set to open Friday, July 14, offering 23 days jam-packed with entertainment, games, shopping, wacky foods and thrilling rides.
More than 1 million people are expected to visit during the fair’s run through Aug. 13 – it is closed Mondays and Tuesdays – at the the fairgrounds in Costa Mesa.
Fair officials have elected to maintain a daily cap on attendance at 45,000 people – initially enforced as a pandemic protocol, they’ve said it created a better experience for all, with just a little more elbow room – so visitors are encouraged to plan ahead because some days will sell out, especially when there are popular shows at the Pacific Amphitheater and The Hangar.
Tickets need to be purchased online. But, for those folks who need more than one day of deep fried foods and nostalgic carnival games, the fair has brought back its passport option, which will provide admission any day of the fair with no restrictions.
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Speaking of fair nostalgia, one stop for many fairgoers is the Centennial Farm. Built in 1989, the farm was constructed with the intention of highlighting Southern California’s rich agriculture. It’s also home to goats, pigs and other farm animals.
When it’s not fair season, days on the farm are calm, but busy. Volunteers lead school tours and agriculture classes. Most days the farm is open for locals to walk around the grounds and learn about where their food comes from or take a peak at the animals.
But a different thrill of excitement fills the air at the Centennial Farm when the OC Fair rolls around.
“Good memories are created here,” Evy Young, director of agriculture programs at OC Fair & Events, said simply.
Pigs are a regular fan-favorite at the OC Fair, Young said, and this year attendees will be meeting some newborn piglets and possibly will even see some sows give birth.
FYI: There is a live pig cam you can check out…
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