Elder Applications for the 2024 Fair are now closed
The deadline to Submit Elder Applications for the 2024 Fair was February 1, 2024. Applications received after that date will be considered for the 2025 Fair. Per the recent motion regarding Elder Eligibility passed by the board, a member with at least 20 years of verifiable volunteer service to the Fair and at least 56 years of age before the first day of the 2025 Fair is eligible to apply. Keep in mind that the minimum age to apply goes up in 2027 to age 57.
Who is eligible to become an Elder?
The eligibility criteria for becoming an Elder were changed and approved by the OCF Board of Directors at the 11/09/23 Board meeting.
The motion reads:
The motion to approve the Elders Eligibility Work Group recommendation for the process for raising the Elders eligibility to age 60 as amended:
We recommend a 10-year plan that would gradually increase age eligibility every two years, over a 10-year period. If implemented now, an applicant would need to be at least 56 years of age for the 2025 and 2026 Fairs. They would need to be 57 years of age for the 2027 and 2028 fairs, 58 years of age for the 2029 and 2030 fairs, and 59 years of age for the 2031 and 2032 fairs and 60 years of age from 2033 and after. No one is delayed longer than one year till age 60 is reached. Potential Elders with health issues that interfere with their ability to perform their volunteer duties from 55 to 59 years of age would be eligible for the Compassion Pass program managed by the ED. The passes would be paid for at the same rate as the Elders passes. There would be a yearly application for Compassion Passes and they are eligible until the age of 59 as long as they cannot perform their volunteer duties. A Compassion Pass would count as part of the 20 years needed to become an Elder. Medical records or doctor referrals are not required.
The motion passed as amended: 10-0.
As of February 2, 2024, any Fair participant who has served the Fair as staff, booth member, and/ or entertainer for at least 20 years and who is over the age of 56 is eligible for Elder Status. The 20 years do not need to be consecutive.
See table below for age eligibility over the next 10 years.
Elder status confers the eligibility to earn or purchase a camping pass to the OCF every year. Elder status does not exempt anyone from following the Guidelines and the Code of conduct of the OCF.
Fair Family wishing to become Elders must fill out an application. It is recommended that a record is kept of crew leaders or booth reps and their contact information throughout the years since this information is required in the application. It is recommended to keep a copy of your application in case it gets lost or you need to reference it in the future. Click links below to read or download the application and the frequently asked questions.
Application Year |
Age Requirement |
First Fair year Eligible for Elder Status |
Age you must be by Friday of the Application Year |
2025 |
56 |
2026 |
56 |
2027 |
57 |
2028 |
57 |
2029 |
58 |
2030 |
58 |
2031 |
59 |
2032 |
59 |
2033... |
60 |
The application process:
Once an application is submitted to the Application subcommittee, a team of dedicated volunteers reviews the information and contacts the people listed as references to verify that the information on the application is accurate. If information is missing or confusing the applicant is contacted to get clarification. Once verified, a team member brings the application to the Elders committee, and the application is reviewed and approved by members of the committee. Successful Elder applicants are contacted by email or snail mail (depending on their preferences) with a congratulations and welcome letter. The Elder's name and contact information are entered on a confidential database. If you have any questions about the process, send an email to [email protected]
Applications for the 2025 Fair are now open through Feb. 1, 2025.
Once an application is submitted to the Application subcommittee, a team of dedicated volunteers reviews the information and contacts the people listed as references to verify that the information on the application is accurate. If information is missing or confusing the applicant is contacted to get clarification. Once verified, a team member brings the application to the Elders committee, and the application is reviewed and approved by members of the committee. Successful Elder applicants are contacted by email or snail mail (depending on their preferences) with a congratulations and welcome letter. The Elder's name and contact information are entered on a confidential database. If you have any questions about the process, send an email to [email protected]
Applications for the 2025 Fair are now open through Feb. 1, 2025.