Monday, November 24, 2008

OCIR, Orange, El Toro and a Victorian Christmas

By special request, today's photo is from the opening of the Orange County International Raceway (OCIR) in Aug. 1967. This drag racing "super track" was located in Irvine, between the I-5 Freeway and MCAS El Toro. The OCIR closed to make way for more development on Oct. 30, 1983.
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Phil Brigandi will hold a signing for his latest book, Images of America: Orange, on Dec. 12, 6-8pm at the Barnes & Noble, 791 S. Main St., in Orange. Phil writes, "This is my ninth book on the history of Orange, and features more that 200 pre-1950 images of the community and its residents."
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Heritage Hill Historical Park in El Toro has a number of public holiday events on tap next month. First they'll host a Victorian Christmas , Dec. 6, 11am-3pm, which will include live entertainment, children’s crafts, living history demonstrations, historical exhibits, Santa Claus, and tours through decorated historic buildings. This will be followed by Candlelight Tours, on Dec. 13 & 14, 5:30-8:30pm. These evening events will include luminaria lit paths, historic buildings aglow with holiday lights and decorated with period décor. Also expect Victorian carolers, storytellers, and visits with Santa. Admission is $4.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Coincidentally, Phil Burgess at the NHRA has been doing stories on "ghost drag strips." He prominently features OCIR at:

http://www.nhra.com/insidedragster.asp?Page=2&Display=5

If the link does not work, go to NHRA.com and click on The Dragster Insider (left side of screen). The series has been running a while, so you may have to scroll back a few pages. It's good stuff though - brought back a flood of memories of going to OCIR and Santa Ana and Lions (in Long Beach) as a kid.

Chris, I'm sure he'd appreciate you sending him your link too.