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.

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.

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. 

Orange County Fair Field Trip

Every year the Orange County California Fair has a special day for some very special people, called 'Friends of the Fair' Day. The Hope University students left in a bus on Wednesday, July 21st for a day of Fair fun, food and friends. They went on rides, like the big Ferris Wheel and were able to see many sights. The livestock area was a favorite, with cows, pigs and chickens, also the farm area where they have many different kinds of fruits and vegetables growing year round on the Fairgrounds. Students were also able to do some shopping and as always, lunch down food alley was an adventure. The Hi-Hopes, Hope University's musical performing group played on the big stage to the delight of many.
Firstly we have April Renick enjoying the attentions of a fun time clown while waiting in line at the gate.
Next is Gary Ahearn, one of the talented Hi-Hopes members smiling at the keyboard.
You see the entire Hi-Hopes band performing on the big stage at the Fair. From left to right: Tom Veltman, Richard Groves, Gary Ahearn, Howard Miller, Paul Kuehn, Cathy Acton, Mikki Davis and Lori Reyes.

Cowabunga! At The Orange County Fair

Tuesday, July 17th was 'Friends of the Fair' day. We had such a great time. Here are some Hope U students at the Orange County Fair, Chris F., Lori S., Maria D. and Ben S.
We saw animals in pens and vegetables growing, we saw performers and clowns. Our very own musical performing group, 'The Hi-Hopes' played for the crowds

Three Day Weekend!

This coming weekend is a holiday, we are off on Monday for Columbus Day. The Hope U students are excited to have an extra day to do with as they please. Here we have some students having fun on field trips, to the mall and the Orange County Fair. Margaret on a swing ride, Cathy and Paul at the mall, Lori, Michelle and Tom waving at the camera outside the mall in Santa Ana California, lastly several students on a rocket at the Orange County fair this summer.
If you are looking forward to a long weekend and need some ideas, the Hope U students have these suggestions:

"Work on an art project."
Darren Petersen

"Rest and take it easy."
Howard Miller

"Have a barbecue."
Karen Leeb

"Go to Disneyland!"
Cathy Acton

"Visit with neighbors and practice basketball."
Chris Friedman

"Sleep in and watch cartoons."
Rene Smith

We hope everyone has a terrific weekend, long or not.