On behalf of the Orange County Fair board, I want to respond to the
April 21 editorial, regarding the future of the Orange County Fair in
Costa Mesa ("Don't let the fair slip away"). Let me state up front that
the fair board has not taken a position on relocating the fairgrounds to
a new location nor do we have any plans to do so.
Since 1949, the fair's home has been here in the city of Costa Mesa.
We have enjoyed a great relationship with the city and our neighbors and
we truly appreciate the continued support, services and resources of the
city and local businesses. However, as the Orange County community grows
and changes, it is important that the fair continually reevaluate itself
to ensure that we are doing our job.
Based upon that desire, therefore, the fair board and staff have been
actively engaged over the past 18 months in a master plan process looking
at all aspects of our operation and infrastructure. Key components under
evaluation include community programs hosted at the fair and the
development of additional physical resources to support the growing
demands of diverse community programs and fair time activities. The
master plan has been and will continue to be a 10-year vision for the
fairgrounds in the city of Costa Mesa.
With limited property opportunities at this site and in concert with
our development of a master plan, the fair board directed staff to
identify satellite locations for the expansion of new community programs.
In November 2001, we submitted a bid to manage the equestrian stables
on the former El Toro Marine Base. The bid was for a concept titled "The
Ranch," a program that models Centennial Farm and offers youth the
opportunity to partake in agricultural and educational programs.
In January 2002, we lost the bid for a 60-acre location at El Toro.
Despite those results, the fair board remained committed to pursuing a
location for "The Ranch."
Since March 5 and the passage of Measure W, the Great Park Initiative,
many county leaders have been looking at ways to develop the property at
the former El Toro Marine Base with respect to the wishes of the
countywide vote. We have been very pleased to be considered as a
potential recipient of property on the base. The fact that the Orange
County Fair & Exposition Center has been identified as a possible
participant on the El Toro Marine Base is both exciting and encouraging.
When the fair was mentioned, however, many people jumped to the
conclusion that relocation was imminent. That is just not the case.
