Orange County Fair Raises Admission Prices, Faces Criticism Over Executive Upgrades Visitors to the Orange County Fair are facing higher costs this year as organizers have increased ticket prices and invested in significant upgrades for their administrative facilities, sparking debate over the event’s financial priorities. The fair, held at the Costa Mesa Fairgrounds, has raised weekend admission fees to $18 for adults starting Friday, up from $15 during the fair’s run last year. Pre-fair discounts are now available for those planning ahead, but the overall price hike has drawn attention from local residents and watchdog groups. The changes come as the fairgrounds grapple with rising operational expenses. According to Michele Capps, the OC Fair’s Chief Business Development Officer, labor costs have surged by $2.46 million compared to last year, while utility and operating expenses have also climbed. These increases, she noted, have created a financial gap that the fair aims to address through higher admission prices. Specifically, the $3 increase in weekend adult tickets is projected to generate an additional $1.5 million in revenue. The ticket price adjustments have already impacted families. For example, a family of four planning to attend the fair on a Saturday would now pay $69 just for parking and entry, excluding food, rides, or souvenirs. Weekday admission remains at $13 per person, while children and seniors now pay $9, though seniors’ fees will rise to $10 starting Friday. The fair’s spokesperson, Terry Moore, defended the pre-fair pricing as a way to offer families more affordable options, emphasizing that the changes were designed to align ticket costs with rising expenses. Beyond ticket prices, the fairgrounds have also invested heavily in infrastructure.#orange_county_fair #costa_mesa_fairgrounds #michele_capps #terry_moore #business_development_dinners
