I read in the Times O.C. today that the Orange County Fair is starting up today, with free parking and free admission for the first hour, and even a fireworks show at 9:30 pm.
Here are a few more details, from the Times:
This year’s theme honors two things close to the heritage of Southern California: cows and sand.
“Every year we try to pick a theme that salutes our past as well as something about our current culture,” fair spokesman Steve Beazley said of the theme, “Cowabunga: The Year of Herefords, Surfers & Sand.” “It’s a nice blending of the past and present. Orange County once had a ranching heritage, and ‘cowabunga’ is a surfing term.”
In keeping with the beef theme, fair organizers are planning a cattle run of 300 Corriente steers through the streets of Costa Mesa on July 25. And the beach component will be represented by master sand animation artist Ferenc Cako, scheduled to perform nightly at the Plaza Arts Stage.
The fair also will include the return engagement of “Weird Al” Yankovic, performing July 17-21 at 8 p.m.; frequent appearances by Aga-Boom!, a theater of interactive physical comedy and circus acts; and a concert series featuring Bob Dylan, Willie Nelson and a double bill of Heart and the Bangles.
I find it interesting that the OC Fair spokesperson refers to Orange County’s “ranching heritage.” Actually, that would be “rancho heritage.” Here is what the County of Orange website has to say about this:
In 1801, Jose Antonio Yorba, a volunteer in the Portola expedition, also returned to Santa Ana. He established the county’s first rancho (Santiago de Santa Ana) in what are today the cities of Villa Park, Orange, Tustin, Costa Mesa and Santa Ana.
Following Mexico’s liberation from Spanish rule in 1821, the extensive land holdings of the Capistrano Mission were subdivided and awarded to a number of distinguished war heroes. By this time Yorba’s Rancho Santiago de Santa Ana had grown to resemble a feudal manor, and the romantic rancho era of Orange County had been ushered in.
Cattle were introduced into the area in 1834. A prosperous hide and tallow industry developed. Southern California became a virtual suburb of New England as sailing ships loaded with cargo traveled back and forth between coasts. In 1835, author-seaman Richard Henry Dana arrived at what is today known as Dana Point. He later immortalized Spanish Orange County in his book “Two Years Before the Mast” by describing it as “the only romantic spot on the Coast.” The Spanish California tradition of a carefree lifestyle, fiestas with music and dancing, bear and bull fights, rodeos, and gracious hospitality, survived until the 1860.
What ended the rancho era? Again, the County of Orange website has the answer:
A severe drought brought an end to the cattle industry. Adventurous pioneers, such as James Irvine, capitalized on the economic downfall of the ranchos. Irvine, an Irish immigrant, established a 110,000-acre sheep ranch that is today one of the most valuable pieces of real estate in America.
“Adventurous pioneers?” Sounds like immigrants to me. Irish immigrants in this case.
I decided to research the makeup of the Orange County Fair’s Board of Directors, so as to ascertain why they appear to be unaware of Orange County’s “rancho heritage.” Here is a list of the Board members:
- Deborah Carona, President, Orange
- Dale Dykema, Newport Beach
- Gary Hayakawa, Irvine
- David Padilla, Costa Mesa
- Julie Vandermost, Laguna Niguel
- Kristina Dodge, Monarch Beach
- Joyce Tucker, Newport Beach
- David Ellis, Newport Coast
- Mary Young, Aliso Viejo
According to the O.C. Register, recalled Governor Gray Davis “appointed Carona’s wife, Deborah, to the Orange County Fair Board.” Oh, that’s right. Carona threw a fundraiser for Davis, and that got his wife the appointment.
If you ask me, it would appear that the O.C. Fair ought to be called the “Newport Beach Fair.” Take another look at the list of Board Members – Newport Beach is very well represented.
The Board is missing North and Central Orange County, with the exception of Carona, whose appointment was purely political. The Board is also VERY LIGHT on Latinos – which would explain why they overlooked our “rancho heritage” – and overlooked the fact that white settlers ended the rancho era – after taking advantage of a drought.
The “Newport Beach” fair reflects Newport Beach prices. Too expensive year after year. Skip it. Families can have a great time at places like Santa Ana’s Fourth Street carnivals, Garden Grove’s Strawberry Festival, and Tustin Tiller Days. In my opinion these smaller fairs offer more a sense of community and give young families on a budget more for their money.
They’re racists! RACISTS! All of them!
Ahhh hahahahahah!
Gracias, Art — no one can spot all these racists like you can! Too bad no one but us can see how they’re all around us!
No one was called a racist. It seems that the powers that be in Southern California would be a little more sensitive to our rich California Latino heritage.
Carona’s Wife? Give me a break! This board has always been a political pay back by the Gov.’s. David Padilla? The only thing young David has done is be Manny Padilla’s (Long time GOP Money guy and token Latino) boy! This is a who’s who of political hangers on.
“Gracias, Art — no one can spot all these racists like you can!”
Keep whining, and you will never get any amnesty bill.
Great article Art….as you know
we love mixing authentic history
with modern days….and this article really does a good job of
that. As far as racists are concerned….Father Junipero Serra was one of the best….they say!
Ron and Anna,
Thanks! If I could live my life over I think I would have loved being a history professor.
I don’t think the OC Fair Board is racist, but they clearly don’t know OC history and they appear to be insensitive to Latino culture and California’s Latino history in particular.
We are going to the fair today…I will let you all know if OC has suffered from the theme this year and the lack of hispanic representation in it.
Flowerszzz,
I already took my little boys there yesterday. The only Latino culture I noted was the fajitas.
Art –
Thanks for raising the level of discourse regarding the 32nd Agricultural’s insensitivity to Orange County ranchero history.
Flowerzzz and her ilk chow down salsa & chips, tequila, tacos and fajitis and bash the Mexican immigrant at the same time.
Love our food; dislike/discredit our people and cultural contributions to the county.
Flowerzzzz is root bound in her 2″ pot. She needs to be re-potted.
Art—
Fair Boards are traditionally political patronage appointments–no different with Democratic Governors then Republican ones. As such, don’t expect alot of Latino’s appointed to the OC Board by this Governor—affirmative action gets pushed aside in a bare knuckles fight for Fair Board seats that is only rivaled by the fight for parking spaces in D.C.
Art & #12 – I find it funny that you say that I am anti Mexican – my son is part hispanic…I love the mexican culture and we travel to Mexico quite often. I am anti Illegal Immigration period. That does not make me racist nor anti mexican (it may be true for others but not for me)….so get a grip and quit yer whining. I do not got to Mexico and expect them to talk english (though most do) nor do I expect them to accomodate me and my lifestlye. I go there to become part of their lifestyle and that should be the same when they come here.
The fair was ok….we spent $200 in like 10 minutes, and that was with free entrance to the fair lol. The only thing I have been waiting for ALL year was the bbq corn (just like in Mexico!) and that was delicious. Otherwise it was the same ol same ol at the fair. The kids spent their money for rides too soon, all the same booths and things to see. BORING.