O.C. fairgrounds are ready to rock, as Gem Faire hits town

Since the O.C. Fair packed up and vacated its home base at the Costa Mesa fairgrounds, numerous weekend events and expos have been moving in to offer locals their own unique brand of fun, entertainment and shopportunities.

This weekend, the Gem Faire has returned to town after a pandemic hiatus to continue its three-decade run at the fairgrounds. Nearly 120 vendors have laid out dazzling displays of gemstones, crystals, beads and jewelry items for both big spenders and those seeking bling on a budget.

Various bead strands on display during the Gem Faire Friday at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa.

(Kevin Chang / Staff Photographer)

Yooy Nelson, director of advertising and promotion for the Portland-based company that organizes the event, says people can shop for jewelry designs or buy loose supplies and create their own jewelry.

“For people who want to buy engagement rings and really expensive jewelry there are fine jewelry vendors, and you can place custom orders. [But] there are also items kids can buy, like really inexpensive bead bracelets — there will be something for everybody.”

Aside from typical jewelry items like gemstones and beads, visitors will also find an array of crystals, polished mineral rocks and other fun finds like fossils, Nelson said.

Crystal spheres by Elegant Healing were up for sale Friday during the Gem Faire at the O.C. fairgrounds in Costa Mesa. Back from a pandemic hiatus, the show runs through Sunday.

(Kevin Chang / Staff Photographer)

While the Gem Faire travels throughout the country, a favorite stop has always been the Costa Mesa fairgrounds, where a weekend show typically attracts as many as 10,000 visitors. Organizers are considering a possible return to the site the weekend of Oct. 8.

“We’re going to see how this weekend goes, then discuss things,” Nelson said.

Located inside the fairgrounds’ Costa Mesa building, the Gem Faire continues Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tickets cost $7 for adults, with free admission for children 11 and under. Parking at the O.C. fairgrounds costs $10. For more, visit gemfaire.com or the events page at ocfair.com.

Shoppers Friday hunt for treasures during Gem Faire, a three-day jewelry, gemstone and crystal event at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa.

(Kevin Chang / Staff Photographer)

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