News Summary
The Ranch Community Center at the Orange County Fairgrounds has opened, focusing on agricultural education for youth. A Discovery Day event attracted over 500 children, giving them opportunities to interact with horses and engage in educational activities. Future plans include expansions and additional equine training resources to enhance community engagement and education in agriculture and equine care.
Costa Mesa Welcomes New Ranch Community Center
The Ranch Community Center at the Orange County Fairgrounds opened its doors to the public this week, marking the launch of a new initiative focused on agricultural education for youth. This expansion comes after over a year of meticulous planning and preparation by fairground officials.
To celebrate the opening, a Discovery Day event drew over 500 children to the Costa Mesa site, where attendees had the opportunity to interact with horses and participate in educational agricultural programs. The event featured a variety of hands-on activities aimed at promoting awareness and appreciation for equine and agricultural resources.
Event Highlights
Although the center hosted just five equine residents in its 144-stall facility, including two privately boarded horses, the event showcased a total of 21 horses for children to meet and learn about. Demonstrations by the California State Guard’s 26th Cavalry Support Regiment illustrated the military’s reliance on horses, providing spectators with insight into their roles in various operations. Additionally, six deputies from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department Mounted Enforcement Unit were present at the site.
The event also included educational collaborations with several local organizations. Horses were on loan from surrounding facilities, demonstrating large-animal evacuation services during emergencies. Staff from the nonprofit Walk Intuit shared information about equine-assisted therapy programs, highlighting the therapeutic value of interacting with horses.
Children’s Activities
The attendees engaged in various activities, including petting bunnies, chickens, a donkey, and a llama. The Barnyard program from Tanaka Farms introduced two rescued miniature horses, named Dolly Madison and Lil’ Debbie, to the children, enhancing the educational experience.
A stick-horse rodeo was organized, allowing kids to practice jumping and enjoy ranch-themed photo opportunities. Educational exhibits from Knott’s Berry Farm 4-H and Hapa Honey Farm featured activities designed by veterinary tech students from Platt College in Anaheim, enriching the overall experience for the young participants.
Future Development
The fairgrounds recently signed a contract with its first trainer, Sara Zomo, owner of the Zequestrian Riding Academy, who has started boarding two horses at the Ranch. Zomo is eager to meet community needs and expects to bring additional horses to the facility as demand increases.
The opening of the Ranch Community Center has generated positive feedback from adults and children alike. Kindergarten teachers and visitors noted the center as an engaging and educational field trip destination, with many expressing excitement for future interactions with the site.
Looking Ahead
The center stands as a testament to the ongoing efforts to provide agricultural education and enrich community engagement. Michele Richards, chief executive of the Orange County Fairgrounds, has expressed anticipation for the center’s growth, particularly as she nears retirement after 23 years of service at the fairgrounds. The Ranch Community Center is poised to become a vital resource for educating the youth about agriculture and equine care in the years to come.
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Additional Resources
- Los Angeles Times: O.C. Fairgrounds The Ranch Opens Gates to Public
- Wikipedia: Agricultural Education
- OC Register: New Plans for Equestrian-focused Ranch Community Center
- Google Search: Equine Therapy Programs
- Shopping Center Business: $11 Million Renovation Completed in Costa Mesa
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Equestrianism
- Los Angeles Times: Where Have All the Horses Gone?
- Google News: Orange County Fairgrounds
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
