Imagine no more — OC Fair & Event Center’s Imaginology set to return April 9 and 10

For the past two years, local youth have had to imagine what it would have been like to personally attend Imaginology — an extravaganza of hands-on science, agriculture, math and arts activities that’s delighted kids at the O.C. fairgrounds since 1989.

The event was canceled in 2020, like most things during the pandemic, and went to a virtual-only format last year. But now, organizers at the Orange County Fair & Event Center are poised to welcome back kids and their families on April 9 and 10.

Andrew Harrison, 10, from Laguna Nigel, tests his skills with a hula hoop at Imaginology 2019 at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa.

(Scott Smeltzer / Staff Photographer)

Educational displays, demonstrations and hands-on workshops will give preK through 12th-grade students a chance to explore and learn more about science, technology, engineering, art and math (STEAM) fields.

Exhibitors include nonprofit educational groups and organizations that aim to enlighten kids about a range of subjects, including aviation and railroads, zoology, music, gemology and more.

Those whose interests have agricultural roots can tour the 3-acre Centennial Farm, which will feature live exhibits on seed-planting, blacksmithing, beekeeping and lessons on how to make terrariums.

In addition to 4-H livestock judging, this year’s Imaginology will host two youth competitions, with the names of winners in each age category to be released at the event.

Sarah and Daniel Bunkowske practice cow milking during Imaginology 2019 in Costa Mesa.

(Scott Smeltzer / Staff Photographer)

A mural project asked students to work individually or in teams to create a larger-than-life entry incorporating STEAM components, while a cardboard engineering competition accepts entries along the same guidelines.

Hours for both days of Imaginology 2022 are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free and parking costs $10. Orange County Fair & Event Center is located at 88 Fair Drive in Costa Mesa.

For more information and a full schedule of events and activities, visit ocfair.com/imaginology or call (714) 708-1500.

Billy and Cora Davenport from Brea play chess during Imaginology 2019 in Costa Mesa. The event returns on April 9 and 10 to an in-person format after two years.

(Scott Smeltzer / Staff Photographer)

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