COSTA MESA : Fair Queens, Artists Sought for ’92 Event

The Orange County Fair, in preparing for next year’s summer run, is looking for artists and former fair queens to take part in its centennial celebration.

The queens, who reigned for most of the 1900s, will be part of the centennial kick-off in January and make appearances throughout the county and at several events during the fair, which is held from July 10 to 26. The annual beauty competition was discontinued in 1983.

Former fair queens, their families or anyone who knows a former queen can call Lynda Conway, Orange County Fair Community Relations Office, at (714) 751-3247, Ext. 28.

Artists are being sought to compete for the fair’s 1992 Featured Artist award.

“We’re looking for an artist who may want to create a work that ties in to the fair’s themes,” said exhibit supervisor Kevin Arnett. “We want someone whose work is different and who can portray the feel of the county, the fair or its history.”

One of next year’s themes is “Meet Our Main Squeeze,” a salute to the county’s citrus industry. The centennial is themed “100 Years in the Making.”

Orange County artists must apply by Nov. 29 and will be required to meet with fair officials before the final selection is made. The featured artist will have artwork showcased in the fair’s Fine Arts Building.

Interested artists can call Arnett at the fair’s administrative offices, (714) 751-3247.