Walking with the animals

Jennifer Kho

COSTA MESA -- Nacho Ayalo Campos and John Vurnis strolled through

Centennial Farm on Christmas afternoon, listening to the caroling of the

sheep, pigs, chickens and cows.

They pet the animals, discussed the merits of the vegetable garden and

sampled the feast of kumquats, cherries and other fruits growing at the

farm.

“It’s beautiful here,” Campos said. “It’s nice. I like it.”

Campos and Vurnis, both of Costa Mesa, are two of a few residents who

spent part of their Christmas at the farm at the Orange County

Fairgrounds.

The farm was open to the public and free for the holiday. Fairgrounds

spokeswoman Ruby Lau said families often stop by after their morning or

afternoon holiday parties.

Campos and Vurnis said they attended holiday parties on Christmas Eve,

leaving them with nothing to do on Monday.

Vurnis said Centennial Farm topped his list of places to go this year.

“It gives me a good heart to come here,” he said. “It gives me a

spiritual, tranquil feeling, even when it’s not Christmas. I was told

that when you pet an animal, you live a little longer. I’ve pet all of

the animals here.”