The O.C. Market Place Isn't Going Anywhere

From an edited press release:

The Orange County Fair Board of Directors on Thursday voted unanimously to approve a 20-year rental agreement with Tel Phil Enterprises, Inc., the operator of the weekend swap meet at the OC Fair & Event Center known as the Orange County Market Place.

The agreement, now on its way to the Department of Fairs and Expositions for final review and approval, has the swap meet paying $43 million in space rent throughout the duration of the rental period. In addition, the terms call for $1 million for each 10-year period.

The agreement preserves the outdoor marketplace, which has become a fabric of the community, provides continuity for its vendors and shows good faith effort on part of the Board of Directors to work with a long time tenant of the fairgrounds, says a staff report to the board.

“We couldn’t agree more and look forward to our continued relationship with the OC Fair & Event Center staff and board members,” said Bob Teller, chairman for Tel Phil Enterprises, which has operated a swap meet at the fairgrounds since 1969.

“We look forward to this long term opportunity for rebuilding the swap meet and continuing to serve as an
incubator for small business enterprise,” Teller added.

Started as “Trash and Treasures” 45 years ago, the Orange County Market Place grew from its original roots to include a variety of new products and service sand recently added an antique an vintage market. It operates from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. every Saturday and Sunday, except during the Orange County Fair, Easter Sunday and the OC Marathon.

More information is available at www.ocmarketplace.com or by calling 949-723-6660. The OC Fair & Event Center is located at 88 Fair Drive, Costa Mesa.