Here’s the official Fox in a Box Orange County guide to welcoming in New Year 2020!
Happy New Year 2020…?
Yeah, 2020 is for sure the new year that’s approaching, but, isn’t it a lot more than that?
It is. It’s the start of a whole new decade, the third decade of the 21st century.
Getting ready for a new decade – the 2020’s.
Does that make a difference?
You bet it does!
The last decade was marked with no end of tumult and upheaval.
From people – ranging from Nelson Mandela to Doris Day – permanently leaving the world stage to social media networks exploding in variety and scope, I really think the last decade would easily rank as one of the most impactful ones in human history.
So, what should we expect from the 2020’s, and how should we welcome it?
Meet me in St. Louis, louis/Meet me at the fair…
I know what you’re thinking.
Meet me in St. Louis is a famous song by Judy Garland in the film of the same name…but what does that have to do with Orange County?
The St. Louis World’s Fair (which is what the song refers to) took place in St. Louis, Missouri from April 30 to December 1, 1904.
But, what does that have to do with Orange County in 2020?
Orange International Street Fair
While the Orange International Street Fair may not be on the scale of the World’s Fair at St. Louis, it certainly has its own global range and charm, featuring 15 ethnic streets with 42 food and drinks booths, local bands playing various kinds of ethnic music and a kids’ section with crafts and games.
It also features a Community Section where local nonprofits showcase their work and a Commercial Section where local companies promote their business.
It’s on the Labor Day weekend – September 4th to 6th, 2020 – so make sure to save the dates!
Date – September 4th (Friday) – September 6th (Saunday).
Times – 9AM to 6PM (tentative).
Location – Orange Plaza Square Park, 112 East Chapman Ave, Orange, CA 92866.
Entry – Free.
OC Vegan Fest
While the term ‘veganism’ was coined by British animal rights activist Donald Watson in 1944, veganism really caught on only during the previous decade, with The Economist declaring 2019 as the Year of the Vegan.
Veganism vs Vegetarianism
Vegetarianism is mostly a diet type wherein people don’t consume food made of animal flesh, like fish or meat.
Veganism is a more definitive philosophy or way of life wherein people don’t consume any animal products, including eggs (laid by hens), leather (made from animal rawhide and skin) articles, and so on.
The O.C. Vegan Fest
Organized by Vegan Village, the OC Vegan Fest will feature some of So Cal’s best vegan vendors and businesses.
It’s going to be a family-friendly event, so more or less anyone can tag along!
Date – January 5th (Sunday).
Time – 11AM to 6PM.
Location – 253 East 3rd Street, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
Entry – Free.
Reconnect with the family
Like I was saying earlier, an explosion in social media networks means there’s a lot more websites out there, competing with each other to grab our attention.
Work worries and pressure have also grown for a lot of people, leading us to wall ourselves off within silos, cutting us off from each other.
Now is the time to reconnect with your family and your friends. The time to go out into the real world, meet up with real people, and do real things. It’s time to aim at having a good life.
What family friendly activities are there in Southern California?
As one of the most dynamic regions in the United States, Southern California has no dearth of activities the whole family or your college gang can take part in.
Museum-hopping, long walks, sea beaches, art galleries, natural parks – you name it, chances are, SoCal has it!
If you are at a loss as to where to start, may I suggest California’s #1 escape room?
Ohana Music Festival
In the mood for some music, foot tapping, and meeting with new people?
Then you better head down to Doheny State Beach between September 25th and September 27th this year, for the Ohama Music Festival, one of SoCal’s biggest music festivals.
All the details for this year’s festival aren’t out yet. Keep track of announcements if you want to visit.
Date – September 25th (Friday) – September 27th (Sunday).
Time – To be announced.
Location – 25300 Dana Point Harbor Dr, Dana Point, CA 92629.
Entry – To be announced.
You don’t think the Anaheim Star Wars celebration is one of the top 5 things to do in 2020?
You really should check out this particular convention.
With, presumably, a whole new saga involving Kylo Ren and Rey having ended, this Star Wars celebration in Anaheim is a good way for old timers to understand the First Order storyline while newer fans can acquaint themselves with the First Republic-Galactic Empire period.
Above all, it’s a great way to go out, meet new people, and have a lot of fun!
If you are a Star Wars fan with a creative streak, you can register for your own props and content to be featured at the event.
Date – August 27th (Thursday) – August 30th (Sunday).
Time – To be announced.
Location – Anaheim Convention Center, 800 West Katella Ave, Anaheim, California 92802.
Entry – To be announced.
Do you agree with this list?
Are there other 2020 things to do in Orange County on your mind?
Make sure you tweet your ideas with #NewYear2020 #OCThingsToDo #FiabOC!