‘Underutilized’ land? Nope, not even close

Webster New World Dictionary tells us that “underutilized” means to

utilize too little or inefficiently.

So the description of the Orange County Fairgrounds as an example

of “underutilized or surplus property” in the California Performance

Review, commissioned by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, just doesn’t fly.

The report suggested that the state could bank as much as $230

million by selling the 150-acre site for development. The main

problem with that idea? The grounds are far from underutilized. They

should not be sold.

There is something going on at the Orange County Fairgrounds 365

days a year, director of events services Mark Entner said.

There are more than 100 different recurring events that take

place1,139 times a year. There are so many simultaneous events that

when asked how many days a year events are taking place on the

fairgrounds the director of communications, Lisa MacDonald, will very

seriously tell you 851 days plus 288 days worth of kids programs.

There are 4.3 million visitors to the fairgrounds each year.

Between 20,000 and 50,000 people visited the Orange County Fair

each day it was open this summer during its month-long run. And

hundreds visit the Orange County Marketplace Saturday and Sunday,

except the three weekends when the fair is in town.

There is a farmer’s market on Thursday mornings that draws a much

smaller crowd than it should considering the quality of the produce

and other products.

Hundreds of children are served through the 4-H program and the

Youth Expo.

There are car show and trade shows that feature everything from

home decor to guns, to reptiles or scrapbooking. There are demolition

derbies, pet expos, senior expos and motor sports events.

Centennial Farms is one of the few places in Orange County where

livestock is kept.

This year, Cirque du Soleil’s show “Varekai” played for more than

a month at the fairgrounds.

The list goes on and on.

The fairgrounds is an integral part of this community and is far

from underutilized. It is where Orange County locals go to shop and

hangout on weekends.

It is where children learn about farming and husbandry.

It is where teenagers can go to see their first concert.

It is where countless people go to learn more about, or simply

indulge in, their favorite hobby.

The Orange County Fairgrounds offers something for everyone, as

the millions who visit each year can attest.