Editorial

Well, it’s August and once again the Orange County Fair has run its

course. Unlike some years in the fair’s history, though, organizers have

many figures of which to boast.

First, admission revenue rose 34%, about $1 million more than last

year, to about $3.4 million. Much of it has to do with a $1 increase in

admission prices, but it can also be attributed to a 12% increase in paid

admissions.

Second, total attendance was at an all-time high at 843,347, besting

last year’s record by about 35,000 fairgoers.

Lastly, of that grand total attending the fair, only 52 people were

arrested. That’s down significantly from 145 the year before.

Fair officials attributed the dramatic reduction in crime to an

increase in visibility of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department deputies

and a better cooperation between deputies and fair officials.

Perhaps some of the figures shouldn’t be a surprise considering the

last year’s fair, which surpassed its predecessor by more than 84,000 in

attendance. Also, the fair’s operating budget was $1.8 million larger

this year.

Whatever the case, fair officials were at the top of their game this

year, providing safety and great entertainment from twister Chubby

Checker to country star Billy Ray Cyrus to the “I Love Lucy” exhibit to

57 rides, including the La Grande Wheel.

This year’s success aside, it would appear the fair is growing and

that organizers are managing to do so in a gradual, yet still safe,

manner. This year’s event received far more media attention than usual.

Still, this is a large event that attracts large crowds and will

continue to do so. No one should be too surprised if next year’s fair

tops this year’s across the board.

This 109th event should be the benchmark that all future fairs should

strive to repeat, if not surpass.

Congratulations, and we’ll see you all next year.