Greer's OC

Imaginology at the OC Fair & Event Center on April 15-17 is a three day stimulating world in which children of all ages can explore the professional fields of science, technology, engineering and more. Through hands-on workshops and exhibits, children can discover their abilities in S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) and agricultural fields that can be applied to future career possibilities.

In Centennial Farm, guests can develop a green thumb through various gardening activities including radish seed planting, digging and identifying vegetable roots and examining a variety of plants through touch and smell at the Garden Touch Table. Live demonstrations will include a blacksmithing presentation and a cow-milking display where guests learn the process of how milk travels from the cow to the store. Attendees can also pet a chick or visit The Great Egg-Scape exhibit and watch chicks hatching.

Guests of all ages can compete in the free Scarecrow Contest on Saturday and the Sawhorse Contest on Sunday held in Country Meadows. Cash prizes will be awarded for the top entries. Youth Project entries will be on display in the Action Gallery to showcase the talents of local youth in a variety of subjects including fine arts, poetry, science and engineering, fashion design and more.

Local professionals and Imaginology staff will offer hands-on makeshops and workshops suitable for all ages including ceramics, sewing, tie-dyeing, painting, sculpting and other crafts.  Supplies are provided for free and most artwork and crafts created may be taken home.

Attendees can discover some of the oldest inventions in technology and engineering in the Conrado Sanchez Technology Museum such as the first home computer and vintage gaming equipment, cameras, phones and typewriters. Also on display throughout Imaginology will be underwater robots, classic cars, module trains, vintage fire engines and a steam-powered engine.

Children will have the opportunity to unleash their inner performer in one of the many performing and musical arts hands-on experiences. For music enthusiasts, karaoke and marimba lessons, xylophone, tuba and a collection of other musical instruments are featured in the Action Gallery. Mini drama classes, aerial arts and horse vaulting are more activities children can see and try.
 
More free fun includes family-friendly entertainment, giant Jenga and chess, Physical Physics – the Science of Hooping, potato sack races, pretend play at the Pet Vet and Pretend Farm and a variety of hands-on learning experiences with live reptiles, insects and more.

Open Friday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free all three days and parking is $8 on Saturday and Sunday. Visit ocfair.com/steam for more details.

OC Fair & Event Center at 88 Fair Drive in Costa Mesa. For more information, visit ocfair.com.