When you picture the OC Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa, your mind probably goes to the sizzle and scent of fryers and grills, the bass of live music at the Pacific Amphitheatre, or the Ferris wheel towering overhead. But the land has a longer, deeper story—one that makes Veteran’s Day in Costa Mesa especially meaningful.
Long before the rides and music, the site was home to the Santa Ana Army Air Base (SAAAB). Starting in 1942, SAAAB saw thousands of cadets at the base in pre-flight training before heading overseas. In 1944, SAAAB became the Army Air Force (AAF) Personnel Distribution Command. In 1946, the base was decommissioned, though in the 1950s it was briefly used as a guided missile training facility.
Many of the service members who trained at SAAAB or worked at AAF returned to Orange County after the war’s end, and they helped develop the area into the beautiful, thriving community it is today.
From WWII to the OC Fair
It might be hard to picture now, but almost one-fifth of Costa Mesa was once dedicated to the Santa Ana Army Air Base. After the base was decommissioned, however, the land was turned over to the county and became a community hub. By the time the OC Fair was up and running in 1949, acres previously used for training, housing, and feeding service members became the site of carnival rides. (Fun fact: A lot of the land that used to make up SAAAB has been repurposed for things other than the fair. Costa Mesa High School, Tewinkle Park, and Vanguard University are just a few examples of places built on what used to be SAAAB grounds.)
Today, the OC Fair honors Orange County’s agricultural history, ensuring no one forgets its origins of citrus groves and farms. Livestock competitions have been part of the fair from the beginning, but in the present day, the three-acre Centennial Farm remains a working, year-round farm, with opportunities for hands-on learning and a memorial for agricultural workers called the Table of Dignity. 4-H students tending their animals are as big of a draw as the Ferris wheel, which shows how vital Costa Mesa’s history is to its identity.
The fair isn’t just your regular hub for concerts and festivals, but a living reminder of Costa Mesa’s origins and as the seat of military pride for Orange County.
Heroes Hall, Where Stories Live On
One of the former SAAAB barracks has been transformed into Heroes Hall, the veterans museum at the OC Fairgrounds. The museum preserves Orange County’s military history while honoring veterans from all generations. There’s a permanent exhibit called “The SAAAB Story,” which delves into the site’s past and involvement in WWII, including real uniforms, photos, and the words of service members who trained there. Year-round programming includes rotating exhibitions: currently, Echoes of Conflict: Remembering Vietnam is on display through December 21, 2025.
Heroes Hall honors more than Costa Mesa’s WWII history; it’s dedicated to veterans from all generations. Visitors are encouraged to learn from veterans at community events, and there’s educational activities for students (or just people interested in history). Stories are not just remembered, but shared across generations. And admission is free, to make sure the experience is accessible to anyone who wants to engage.
This Veteran’s Day, Heroes Hall at the OC Fair is the perfect place to experience the past and honor a history of service, sacrifice, and deep-rooted heritage. Costa Mesa invites veterans and their families to come experience Heroes Hall and find connection with the past. Whether you’re eager to connect with other veterans or just want to spend time contemplating in the oasis of the Serenity Walk, it’s surely going to be a Veteran’s Day to remember.
If you’re not from Orange County, you can fly into John Wayne Airport (SNA) or drive to Costa Mesa. We’re between Los Angeles to the north and San Diego to the south. Turn your visit to Costa Mesa into an overnight stay, and book a room at Best Western Plus, OC Hotel, or the newly renovated Hampton Inn—all within walking distance of the fair. Costa Mesa has hotels that suit every budget and type of traveler, from solo to family, business, or leisure. For our veterans, don’t forget to ask for military or government discounts!
