Big Savings at the OC Fair This Summer

COSTA MESA, Calif., June 8, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --  With summer just around the corner, 2011 OC Fair (July 15-August 14) discounts and promotions offer fun-filled memories for the entire family that won't break the bank. Promotions start opening day (Friday, July 15) with free entry and parking during the Opening Hour Noon-1 p.m. Parking lots open one hour before gates to accommodate Fairgoers.

We Care Wednesday is another great way to save money while giving back. Fairgoers can receive one free entry ticket and a carnival ride by donating the following items on specific Wednesdays:

• Wednesday, July 20, Noon-4 p.m. – Food Drive: Donation of five non-perishable food items. Benefits Second Harvest and OC Food Bank.
• Wednesday, July 27, Noon-4 p.m. – Children's Book Drive: Donation of one new or three gently-used children's books. Benefits Los Angeles Times Reading by 9.
• Wednesday, August 3, Noon-4 p.m. – Clothing Drive: Donation of five new or gently-used clothing items. Benefits Goodwill of Orange County.
• Wednesday, August 10, Noon-4 p.m. – Back to School Supply Drive: Donation of one new school supply item valued at $3 or more (suggested items are markers, notebooks, backpacks and calculators.) Benefits Share Our Selves.

Guests 12 and younger get in free on Kid's Day all day, every Thursday. Guests 60 and older can enjoy a $2 discount on regular senior admission and free Ferris wheel and merry-go-round rides all day, every Friday for Senior's Day. Active-duty military members with ID can enjoy free admission every day, all day through the Heroes Get in Free promotion.

A new promotion is the Rise & Shine Special, where Fairgoers can get $2 general admission price every Saturday and Sunday from 10-11 a.m. Fair food is famous and guests can enjoy samples for only $2 during the Let's Eat for $2 - Taste of Fair Foods every Friday from Noon-4 p.m. Returning this year is the OC Fair Flyer Express, where Friday-Sunday OCTA riders can shuttle directly to the Fair from five different OCTA transit locations and receive a coupon for $2 general Fair admission for that day. (Service hours are Friday 3 p.m. to Midnight and Saturday-Sunday 10 a.m. to Midnight).

Daily carnival offerings include: the Carnival Fun Pass - sold daily in $5, $20, $50 and $100 packages valid for rides and games; Fast Pass – get to the front of the line for $20 (valid day of purchase only); and the Read & Ride Program – children (ages 5-11) who read at least two books and submit a completed OC Fair Read & Ride Book Report Form (available online at ocfair.com) will receive three free carnival rides. Completed forms can be submitted to the Centennial Farm information booth during regular Fair hours.

Other carnival promotions include the $25 Unlimited Ride Wristband and $2 Games every Wednesday and Thursday, while every Friday offers $2 Rides and $2 Games. Additionally, concertgoers in the Pacific Amphitheatre can use their concert ticket stub to enjoy a free ride on La Grande Wheel after the show (valid night of concert only).

The 2011 OC Fair, themed LET'S EAT!, is July 15 – August 14 and will bring 23 days of food, rides, exhibits, animals, music, action sports and fun, as well as the popular Super Pass (season pass), Pacific Amphitheatre Summer Concert Series, The Hangar and Action Sports Arena. The Fair is open Wednesday-Sunday. The OC Fair was ranked the eighth highest attended fair in the U.S. last year by Venues Today magazine.

The OC Fair & Event Center is located off the 405 and 55 freeways at 88 Fair Drive in Costa Mesa. For more information, please visit ocfair.com, become a fan on Facebook.com/OCFair or follow us at twitter.com/ocfair.

Please send all non-media-related public inquiries to (714) 708-1500.

SOURCE OC Fair & Event Center