Orange County Market Place

In 1969 Neil Armstrong became the first man to step foot on the moon, the Boeing 747 took its first flight and Bob Teller opened the Orange County Market Place at the Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa. Though each of these events are not the same magnitude, each took years of vision and planning to accomplish and all grew in importance after their initial launch. The Orange County Market Place is now one of the largest weekly events in Southern California with some two million visitors each year.

The Orange County Market Place, known in 1969 as 'Treasures and Trash', is entering its 40th year and continues to operate every Saturday and Sunday, except during the annual Orange County Fair in July and August, at the O. C. Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa.

It combines fun, food and value shopping while celebrating the entrepreneurial spirit with nearly 1,000 merchants offering a spectrum of products and services. The list is ever changing, but often includes name brand clothing, shoes, jewelry, home d�cor, furniture, bedding, toys, sporting goods, beauty products and electronics.

Featured areas include 5 Star Homes (two manufactured homes fully decorated and appointed) Market Place Motorsport Area, Artisans' and Crafters' Corner, farm fresh produce, high quality food-to-go-products, butcher shop , kid's play areas including giant bounce toys and two full service hair salons.

Fresh squeezed lemonade, hamburgers, hot dogs, barbecued sausages, churros, Italian ices, cinnamon rolls, gourmet ice cream, taquitos, pizza, pretzels and more available at food concessions.

Musical and novelty entertainment is offered each weekend along with a slate of special events throughout the year : St. Patrick's Day Festival, Easter Festival, Market Place Concert Series, SongBurst Karaoke Competition, Elvis Fest, Pet Days, and a Trick or Treat Festival.

From Thanksgiving weekend through the holiday season Santa makes his annual visit every Saturday and Sunday listening to children's wish list and posing for free photos.

Admission is $2. Children 12 and under are free. Free parking is available as well as preferred parking: for $5. Hours: 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

ATM machines, shopping cart and stroller rentals are available.