"Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead" at the OC Fair & Event Center | @OCFair #YouthExpo

Imaginology Moves “Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead”

at the OC Fair & Event Center April 11-13

You might have seen my post about how much fun we had at the Orange County Youth Expo last year.

It is a great free, family event with a focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Math.  We were so impressed by the air powered rockets that we made our own that night at home!  

This year, the Youth Expo has changed it's name but the fabulous learning experiences are better than ever.  Full S.T.E.A.M.(Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) Ahead features children of all ages showcasing their best talents!   On April 11-13, students will showcase their talents and compete for prizes in:

• digital media
• fashion
• photography
• film-making
• creative writing and woodworking

The OC Fair & Event Center (OCFEC) invites families to Imaginology, a re-imagined Youth Expo for children and families to explore the fun of S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) April 11-13, 2014. This exciting, three-day event themed “Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead” is open Friday 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 10 a.m. -5 p.m. 

Admission is free for all three days and many of the hands-on activities are included. Parking is free on Friday and $7 on Saturday and Sunday. Teachers and students are encouraged to join as a group for Field Trip Day on Friday. For more information, visit ocfair.com/steam.

Imaginology is the perfect environment for curious children of all ages to discover the unlimited career possibilities within the educational fields of science, engineering and more. Local youth can discover the possibilities of the future as a result of learning though workshops, scavenger hunts and a build-a-scarecrow contest.

Family-friendly activities and competitions for Imaginology weekend include:

• Makeshops and Workshops: Children pre-Kindergarten through high school can participate in free, hands-on learning demonstrations in ceramics-making, portrait painting and other crafts. Local professionals and Imaginology staff lead the demonstrations and all necessary equipment and supplies are provided. Participants can take home any crafts or artwork they create. 
• S.T.E.A.M. Competitions and Projects: Students will showcase their talents in digital media, fashion, photography, film-making, creative writing and woodworking. All competitions are free to enter and open to Orange County students only. Entry registration ends March 21. 
• Free Family & Group Contests: Family members and friends can team up at Imaginology to compete in two fun contests to design the best sawhorse or scarecrow. 

On Saturday, April 12, teams will compete in the Scarecrow Contest and on Sunday, April 13, teams can sign-up for the Sawhorse Contest for a chance to win $100 in both contests. Check-in is from 10 a.m.-Noon and installation/contest time is Noon-2 p.m. on each contests’ respective day in the Action Gallery. It’s free to enter and basic materials (sawhorse, scarecrow and some decorations) are provided but teams are encouraged to bring their own decorations to make their entry unique. Visitocfair.com/steam to pre-register a team. 

Centennial Farm: Little ones and parents can check out animals and gardens plus enjoy free hay rides, oxen team demonstrations, hands-on arts and crafts, a bug farm and scavenger hunts.
Gourmet Food Trucks and Local Fundraising Food Booths: Enjoy gourmet food truck fare or local youth groups selling snacks, drinks and a variety of cuisine. 

4-H Competitions: Local youth are judged on their abilities to raise small livestock, their understanding of animal and veterinary sciences and their display projects on community service, aerospace, entomology, electricity and more. 

Home Builders Council (HBC) 25th Annual Design/Build Competition: Watch as future architects and builders compete to see who are the best young home builders in Southern California. 

Vital Link STEM and the Arts Career Showcase: Vital Link encourages students to consider professional careers in the fields of science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) with exciting competitive displays, workshops and competitions. 

Orange County Science & Engineering Fair: The annual competition will host hands-on workshops and exhibits encouraging students to explore the physical and life sciences and encourage participation in the annual county-wide event. 

And more: 

• A petting zoo
• pony rides
• Bubble Rollers
• inflatable rides
• comedy magician Eric Buss
• Mathemagician Arthur Benjamin and family-friendly performance groups. 

Imaginology 2014 is underwritten by the OC Fair & Event Center. For more details on this year’s event, visit ocfair.com/steam.

The OC Fair & Event Center is located off the 405 and 55 freeways at 88 Fair Drive in Costa Mesa. For more information, please visit ocfair.com, become a fan on Facebook.com/OCFair, follow us at twitter.com/ocfair or call (714) 708-1500.