Briefly in the News

Orange County Fair officials announced Friday that the major themes

found in works submitted for this summer’s fair are patriotism and

tributes to the heroes of Sept. 11.

Deadline for sending in entries was last Wednesday and the creative

gems that made it include patriotic gardens, license plates and an

exhibit of miniature fire engines.

Don Roussin, a Placentia resident, submitted this entry as a tribute

to the members of the New York Fire Department.

Other entries include Statue of Liberty figurines, flags and pins and

a cross-stitched American flag.

Non-patriotic items include a collection of Barbies, classic cars and,

of course, treats like chocolate peanut-butter cookies and sweet bread

for the Home & Hobbies Department.

The fair will be held July 12-28.

Information: (714) 708-FAIR.

Top acts in music, comedy and magic booked for Center

Mandy Patinkin, Kenny Loggins and other musical heavyweights will

grace the Orange County Performing Arts Center’s stages through its new

Spotlight Series, to begin Sept. 21.

A new program that looks to be just one of many to coincide with the

Center’s new and expanded facilities, the series will start with Broadway

performer Linda Eder in September.

Patinkin, who has won Tony and Emmy awards, will follow on Oct. 12,

the award-winning Loggins will perform on Dec. 7 and famed comedian Bill

Cosby will instigate laughter on Jan. 11.

All performances will be held at 8 p.m. for one night at Segerstrom

Hall, 600 Town Center Drive. Cosby’s show will start at 6:30 p.m.

A show by David Copperfield will be offered as a subscriber bonus Nov.

20-23. Showtimes for his magic act “Portal” will be 8 p.m. Nov. 20 and

21; 6 and 9 p.m. Nov. 22; noon, 3, 6 and 9 p.m. Nov. 23.

Tickets are $35-$55.

Information: (714) 556-2787.