Story by Caitlin Manocchio
Photo courtesy of Sydney Acosta
Students staying in Orange this summer don’t have to travel to Los Angeles to have a good time. There are tons of events happening throughout Orange County this summer.
“I might go to the OC fair grounds. I’m not sure what my summer plans are,” said Cheyenne Somers.
Many students have an open book for the summer, while others will be busy working to earn some extra cash.
“My plan for the summer is to find a job,” said Amelia Nista.
Those looking for events to help fill in the gaps of their summer plans should check out this list of events happening in Orange County. Don’t go back to hitting the books in the fall without some summer fun.
Sawdust Art Festival, June 25-Aug. 30, 935 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Whether you’re an artists or an art lover, the Sawdust Art Festival is place to go this summer.
“The festival has cartoonists, jewelers, glassblowers, and comedy painters,” said Rachel Eckhaus.
The festival offers handmade artisan crafts and gifts. Event goers can shop for unique presents for their family and friends while listening to the sounds of local Orange County bands. The event is fun for the whole family with several booths for children and adults to engage in arts and crafts.
One word of warning, the traffic on the way to the event can be horrific.
“It is impossible to get to. The road in and out of Laguna is one lane and one traffic light between the beach and the highway, but it’s worth it,” said Rachel Eckhaus.
Admission to the event is $8.50, but plan on bringing your wallet to buy a few special treasures. More information can be found at http://www.sawdustartfestival.org/.
Corgi Day at the Beach, Saturday July 11, 100 Goldenwest St, Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Don’t want to spend money, but still looking for something entertaining to do this summer? The beach is free and a favorite place for many Chapman students. This summer Huntington Beach hosts the furriest event in Orange County, Corgi Day at the Beach.
“I love dogs and I thought it looked really fun and funny,” said Sydney Acosta who attended the spring event in April.
Huntington Beach is just a 30 minute drive from Orange and this is the perfect event for Chapman dog lovers and owners to attend. The spring Corgi Day at the Beach, held on April 11, was so successful with 635 corgi’s in attendance that So Cal Corgi Nation decided to host another event this summer.
“Parking wasn't easy, but it was worth it,” said Acosta.
Chapman students can enjoy taking pictures with adorable corgi’s and catch a wave with their favorite pup. Despite the event being focused on corgi’s, all dog’s are welcome to attend as long as they’re with their owner.
Chapman students interested in attending or finding out more information can go to
https://www.facebook.com/events/829943747052813/.
Pageant of the Masters, July 8-Aug. 31, 650 Laguna Canyon Rd, Laguna Beach, CA 92651
Looking for a more formal event over the summer? Theatre lovers and actors can travel a short distance to Laguna Beach for an evening of the preforming arts.
“The Pageant of the Masters is much more highbrow and more like an outdoors museum than anything,” said Eckhaus.
Attendees can see their favorite pieces of art come to life. The event offers a re-creation of the story behind the painting. This summer’s theme is “The Pursuit of Happiness.”
“Oftentimes the pageant offers recreations of paintings using people in makeup and costume, or orchestras, etc. It's just across the street from Sawdust, but the atmosphere is completely different,” said Eckhaus, who has attended the event for several years.
Tickets start at $15 and the best seats in the Irvine Bowl amphitheater cost $230 each.
More information can be found at http://www.foapom.com/pageant-of-the-masters/pageant-theme/.
The Orange County Fair, July 17-Aug.16, OC Fair & Event Center 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa, California 92626
Food trucks, concerts, farmers markets, car shows, games, wine tasting, and more can be found at the Orange County Fair. Chapman students love attending concerts and some of the hottest talent has preformed at the OC Fair. Top performers have included: Colbie Caillat, Black Eyed Peas, Neon Trees, Paramore, Train, and Taylor Swift.
"There's a quintessential moment for every season, an event that tells you it's here, it's time, I've been waiting all year for this," said Michele Richards, the fair's chief business development officer in an interview with Jeremiah Dobruck for Daily Pilot, “the sign for the start of summer, our customers would say it's the O.C. Fair."
“I've heard great things about the OC fair, but I’ve never gone myself. I might come down for that,” said Los Angeles resident Anna Hovanesyan.
This year the fair celebrates its 125 anniversary with the theme of “One Big Party” and more events are expected to be announced soon.
Admission to the event is $12 and more information can be found at http://www.ocfair.com/2015/index.asp.
