Children enjoying hands-on agricultural activities at the Ranch Community Center opening event.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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