History

About Us

In 1973, The City of Orange was looking for ideas to celebrate its one hundredth year. Inspired by the Orange Street Fair of 1910 it was decided that for the centennial celebration Orange would have the Orange International Street Fair (OISF). The Fair was so successful that it has become an annual tradition during Labor Day weekend. The Fair is located near Plaza Park in the historic downtown area.

The OISF provides a great forum for various local non-profit groups to present themselves to the community and raise funds for their programs. Every year there are many different ethnic groups represented at the Street Fair. They provide food, entertainment, and crafts to Fair patrons. Many of these groups present themselves in their native or chosen lands’ ethnic costumes. They have made the Street Fair famous for its wide variety of foods reflecting different cuisines from all over the world.

OISF, Inc. is a 501(c)(4) certified non-profit and is comprised solely of non-paid board and committee members. Though we continue to partner with the City of Orange for support services, OISF, Inc. is solely responsible for the management and financial aspects of the event.

Timeline

1973-  First Orange International Street Fair authorized by Mayor Jess Perez. President Dick Weatherington

1974- President Joe Woods

1975- President John Landers

1976- President John Cuervo. Theme: Bicentennial.  Fun fact: Rain and thunder on Sunday afternoon.

1977- President George Simpson. Theme: Space. Fun Fact: Character from “Planet of the Apes” appeared on main stage, Smokey the Bear was spotted at event.

1978- President Richard Zimmerman.

1979- President Erik Myer.

1980- President Joe Taylor.  Fun fact: Bubble gum blowing contest held.

1981- President Dorthy Dreger

1982- President Richard Zimmerman. Fun fact: Children paraded down streets in costume.

1983- President Bob Paul.

1984- President Bob Paul.

1985- President Bob Paul. Fun fact OISF becomes Incorporated and forms Orange International Street Fair Inc. an  event production company separate from the City of Orange.

1986- President Bob Paul. Fun facts: Post Office of Orange created cancellation stamp for the event, First year of Childrens Village and Los Angles Mayor Tom Bradly and Attorney General Leo McCarthy Visit the event.

1987- President Gail Hewitt

1988- President Gail Hewitt

1989- President Adele Graves. Theme: Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow.

1990- President Al Ricci. Theme: Orange- Where the World Meets. Fun fact: Ronald McDonald spotted at event.

1991- President Russ Barrios. Theme: A Peace of Orange.

1992- President Al Ricci. Theme: Orange- A Small World

1993- President Judy Solle. Theme: Orange has Appeal

1994- President Judy Solle. Theme: A Family Affair. Fun Fact: Police estimate crowed to be about 500,000.

1995- President Judy Solle. Theme: The Plaza Sweet.

1996- President Judy Solle. Theme: People Smile in the Same Language.

1997- President Chuck See Sr. Theme: A Fair to Remember.

1998-

1999- President Judy Solle

2000-

2001- President  Marsha Zembower

2002- President  Marsha Zembower

2003- President Mike Winger

2004-President Mike Winger

2005- President Mike Winger

2006- President Mike Winger

2007- President Mike Winger

2008- President Mike Winger

2009- President Mike Winger

2010- President Mike Winger

2011- President Mike Winger

2012-President Mike Winger