Crowds Bid Fair-Thee-Well to Annual Event That Broke Attendance Record

Benefiting from sunny skies and a strong economy, the Orange County Fair this year set an attendance record, attracting more than 856,000 people during the 17-day run that ended Sunday.

Organizers said several new rides and attractions also helped boost overall attendance, which easily topped the previous record of nearly 786,000 set in 1997.

“There are all different kinds of families, all different kinds of cultures--and everyone’s having a good time,” said Becky Bailey-Findley, the fair’s general manager.

Many fairgoers Sunday said they liked the breadth of events offered at this year’s fair, everything from the cowboy-watching to salsa dancing to learning about inventions.

“We really enjoy it. Every time we come, we knows it’s going to be good.” said Bob Galvan, while watching a Mexican Ballet Folklorico show with his wife, Rosemary. Though they are Los Angeles County residents, the Galvans said they make the trek to Costa Mesa every year.

“We came five times this year; we love it,” Galvan said.

For the first time, fairgoers were treated to a show high above the carnival rides.

At 6 p.m., thousands scanned the sky as a skydiver floated down from 5,000 feet. While descending, he unfurled an American flag, drawing cheers from the grandstand crowd awaiting his landing.

“That was awesome,” said Dan Driskill, 41, who watched with his mother, Rosemarie.

The Lara family of Santa Ana played their own small part in boosting attendance.

Last year, a pregnant Reina Isabel Lara came to the fair with her husband, Jose Gabriel.

But this year, the family had doubled in size, and the couple spent the day strolling the grounds with their 9-month-old twins, Anthony and Liliana.

“They love to watch the Ferris wheels--anything that goes round and round,” said Reina of the twins.

Fair organizers said the relatively low ticket prices, which topped out at $6, makes the fair attractive.

“We try to make the fair a gift back to the community,” Bailey-Findley said.