BEHIND THE HEADLINES BECKY BAILEY FINDLEY

Each summer, right after the Fourth of July, Becky Bailey Findley’s life goes into high gear. The general manager of the Orange County Fair spends three weeks working the crowds and running a smooth operation behind the scenes. Despite her hectic schedule, Findley agreed to give us a few precious minutes of her time this week and provide an update on this year’s fair, themed “Cowabunga: The Year of Herefords, Surfers & Sand.”

Question: What have been the highlights and lowlights so far?

Answer: The 2007 OC Fair has been one high point after another. The one that is so memorable is watching the first performance of Ferenc Cako, the Sand Animation Master from Hungary, opening night of the fair. The night was cool, the crowd full and the funnel cakes warm and sugary, and we sat, listening to beautiful classical music watching art appear in the sand before our very eyes. It was dramatic, moving and unlike anything I had ever experienced at the fair before.

There have been no low points yet, though I am not looking forward to Aug. 6, when the fair ends.

Q: What’s been your favorite moment?

A: A favorite moment was the opening of the fair gates, noon, July 13.

Thousands and thousands of people were lined up to enter the 2007 OC Fair. They had lined up early and were so eager and ready to start their fair visit. Their energy, smiles and enthusiasm were motivating and invigorating. It’s like inviting 18,000 of your friends to a party at your home and watching them come in ready to have fun and enjoy what you’ve prepared for them.

Q: What has been the feedback to the Cowabunga theme among fairgoers?

A: Anytime we can celebrate the Southern California lifestyle, I believe our fair guests love it. We love the beach culture and what it means to our summer fun. Adding the fun twist of tying the theme to cattle and the ranching history of the O.C. is playful and captures the interest of our guests. Where else in Southern California would you believe the outlandish combination of cattle and surfers but the OC Fair?

Q: How much did you know about surfing culture before? What have you learned now?

A: Growing up in O.C., I was a keen observer and witness to the surf culture. Many summer vacations as a child were spent camping at Doheny State Beach watching the hundreds of surfers. What I’ve learned and grown to appreciate is the sophistication and professionalism of the sport and the surf industry and its impact on Southern California.

Q: How did the cattle drive idea come about?

A: The vision of a cattle drive has been discussed for several years. Key staff members are knowledgeable in the operations of the cattle drive, plus others wanted the benefit of what a once-in-a-lifetime event like a cattle drive through Costa Mesa would bring to the OC Fair and community.

The incredible thing about the cattle drive is that it is a project that gains momentum faster than any other project we’ve undertaken. The community support and enthusiasm is what feeds it.

I can hardly wait!

Q: Are you going to ride in it?

A: I am the wagon master — that is the organizer of those of us who are the vital few riding in the wagons bringing up the rear of the cattle drive.

Q: What do you plan on doing after the fair ends?

A: My priority after the fair is to thank everyone who helped make the 2007 OC Fair a success. There are so many people and organizations that this will take some time but it is a privilege I treasure.

Secondly, I plan to travel to Brussels to visit our oldest son — the one who used to dye his hair to match the fair theme. He is working in Europe for a year, and this is a perfect opportunity and reason to visit (plus I think Oktoberfest is going on!).