Holiday Season at the O.C. Market Place Will Help Feed Orange County
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11/22/2010:
Costa Mesa, CA (November 22, 2010)--During four weekends of the holiday shopping season, which kicks off Sat., Nov. 27 at the Orange County Market Place in Costa Mesa, the swap meet will offer free admission in exchange for a canned or dried food item to benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County, the county’s leading hunger relief organization.
According to the organization, one out of five people in Orange County struggle with hunger today. “We’re seeing an unprecedented number of people needing emergency food assistance. Right here in Orange County demand has increased at our food bank by 35%, “said Joe Schoeningh, Director of Second Harvest.Children make up 38% of the hungry in Orange County.
“This is the true spirit of giving. We have been part of this community for over 40 years and this is one way we can give back to Orange County residents. During tough economic times we all have to do what we can to help. We are happy to waive our admission fees for something as important as this, not just during the holidays but throughout the year, “said Jeffrey Teller, president of the Orange County Market Place.
Food drives held during the Market Place’s spring and fall concert series netted nearly 4,500 pounds of donated canned and dried food items.
 The dates for the holiday food drive at the Market Place are Nov. 27, 28, Dec. 4, 5, 11, 12, 18 and 19. Regular operating hours of 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. will be in place during the holidays. The swap meet will be closed Christmas Day, Sat. Dec. 25 and New Year’s Day, Sat. Jan. 1, 2011.
General admission is $2 for ages 13 years and over, though free with the canned food donation through Dec. 19. Children 12 and under are always free. Ample free parking is available. Preferred parking is $5.
The Market Place features nearly 1,000 vendors in an outdoor setting with a wide variety of products and services, including an infusion of many new, unusual and one-of-a-kind items during the holidays. Categories of products include homemade crafts, gourmet foods-to-go, baked goods, jewelry, clothing, toys, sporting goods, kitchen gadgets, collectibles, perfumes, linens, home decor, cell phone accessories, luxury used cars and much more.
Free face painting and balloons will be offered daily from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Family and friends can also gather to take their holiday photos in a seasonal backdrop in the kid’s play area.
In its 41st year, the Orange County Market Place is held every Saturday and Sunday, except during the annual Orange County Fair, at the O.C. Fair and Event Center in Costa Mesa. Address is 88 Fair Drive.
More information on the Orange County Market Place may be obtained at www.ocmarketplace.com or by calling 949-723-6616 or 949-723-6660. A vendor directory is available on line.
For information on Second Harvest Food Bank of Orange County visit www.feedoc.org or call 949-653-2900.
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