Fun at the Orange County Fair!

Gary A. is really 'clowning it up' with his new friends!

This group looks very happy to be at the fair.

On Friday, July 18th we were able to go to the Orange County Fair compliments of 'Friends of the Fair Day'.  The Hope University band 'The Hi-Hopes' celebrated their 16th year of performing for 'Friends of the Fair Day' as well.  The students went in groups which were able to choose their activities.  Some groups chose rides, others chose to shop, some just wanted to watch the Hi-Hopes perform. 

"My favorite thing to do at the fair was hang out with my friends and eat lunch."
Joe V.
"I had fun performing with the Hi-Hopes and going on the carousel."
Ron L.
"The bumper cars were so much fun!"
Rene S.
"I enjoyed some deep fried Reese's Pieces and shopping.  I got a present for my cat."
Justine A.
"I got to go shopping and I liked seeing the farm animals."
Karen L.
"I just really loved shopping and eating.  I bought myself a bracelet."
Michelle E.
"Going on the rides, all of the rides!"
Tanette T.
"The food, like the deep fried Oreos and seeing the gigantic animals."
Mary M.
"I liked going on the bumper cars!"
Raymond R. 

Hope Visits The Orange County Fair!

Allison is very happy to be on the bee ride!

Ben, Joe, Fred, Allison and Darren in the OC Fair garden.

A happy Fred on the trucks.

The Hi-Hopes performing on the OC Fair stage.

Sharon, Michelle and Chris at the Fair.

The popular 'Monster Truck' ride!

The annual Orange County Fair is in full swing and we had a wonderful opportunity through
 'friends of the fair' day to attend.  The Orange County Fair sponsors one morning for persons with disabilities to attend the fair for free.  The rides open early for them and are free as well.  Our students look forward each year for this special morning that is 'just for them'.  Hope University's very own performing musical group The Hi-Hopes, was live on stage for all to see and hear.
Some of the fair highlights were:
"I liked the horn sounds from the bumper car ride."  Ben Simendinger.
"The monster truck ride!"  Fred Mezzo.
"I really enjoyed shopping."  Michelle Emory.
"The bumper cars were the best ride."  Ana Pinedo.
"I liked the bumble bee ride."  Allison French and Bradley Clayman.
"The monster truck ride was fun!"  Jennifer Doyle.

Museum Outing Goes Kinetic

Cathy at the Calder exhibit.

Alexis adding to the yarn sculpture.

The craft area at O.C. Museum of Art.

Yarn sculpture, in progress.

Several students enjoying the Calder inspired crafts.

Getting read for lunch on the patio.

The Hope University students loaded onto a bus for a quick jaunt down to the Orange County Museum of Art where there is currently an exhibit of Alexander Calder's work.  Alexander Calder was a kinetic artist, he loved to make sculptures that moved.  The bus moved the students to the museum where they were moved by his amazing work.  Alexander Calder often used red, white, blue, green and yellow when creating his sculptures.  He also made many mobiles that balance unbelievably.  The museum had an interactive section where the students were able to create art themselves.  They cut folded paper into shapes and added to an already in progress yarn sculpture.  So many of Hope University's students are actively involved in creating artwork daily so this field trip was an amazing inspiration. 
Here are a few inspiring moments:
"I liked the sculpture of the face, with all of the pieces hanging."
Ana Pinedeo
"I liked the sculpture of trees and flowers in a garden. I liked the exhibit so much I would like to go back again."
Margaret Kelley
"I liked making the craft, cutting and drawing at the table."
Jennifer Doyle

Friends of the Fair Day at the Orange County Fair!

Ben, Rene and Joanna 'clowning around'.

April on the Swing ride.

April, Joanna and Margaret waiting in line for a ride.

Bradley looking so happy to go into the fairgrounds.

April riding a big pink bird.

Sharon and Darren getting ready to look at the horses in the barn.

Carol, Michelle, Karen and Mignon having fun at the O.C. Fair.

On July 20th many of the Hope University students attended the Orange County Fair at the Orange County Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa California.  Each year the O.C. Fair provides a day, called 'Friends of the Fair' Day where persons with disabilities get in free.  We are so grateful to the O. C. Fair for providing this service for us all.  The theme of the Fair this year was 'Let's Eat!' celebrating all of the wonderful Fair foods we love.  The students and staff rode in a chartered bus to and from the Fair.  Some of the things we saw were, rides, horses, sunflowers, vendors selling all sorts of things and food, lots of food!
Everyone had a lot of fun and can hardly wait to go back again next year.  Thank you Orange County Fair for having 'Friends of the Fair' Day.

VSA Performance

The Hope University Choir

The Ladies of the Choir accompanied by Hope U student Ron Langloe on the guitar.

Men of the Choir.

Terry C. and April R. perform with the dance.

Ladies and Gentlemen, The Hi-Hopes!

Hope University student Jim L. accompanies the Hope U. Dancers on the violin.

In April the VSA had their annual event at the Westfield Main Place Mall in Santa Ana California.  There was art on display by clients and students from around Orange County. Hope University was represented by several visual artists, poets, musicians, singers and dancers.  The Hope University Choir performed along with the Hi-Hopes and the Hope University Dance class.  The art is on display currently.  The students and staff of Hope U will be going on field trips to view the art work, so look for the blog posts about the field trips!

Several art pieces were chosen for a traveling show as well.  Hope University artists will have their work on display across the continent.