Ostriches may not be able to fly, but they’re pretty darn good runners.
See for yourself at this weekend’s Chandler Ostrich Festival.
The event hosts daily ostrich races, when the birds compete carrying jockeys or pulling chariots.
There are also monkey, reptile and dog shows, a petting zoo, magic and thrill shows, and live ostrich displays. And if you get bored looking at the giant birds, you can try one, literally; ostrich burgers are available on Ostrich Alley, where you’ll also find hand-painted eggs, emu oil and other avian sundries.
Live music from Tonic, Blue Oyster Cult, Marshall Tucker Band, Katie Armiger and a slew of other acts plays all weekend on three stages. Kids can meet Disney Channel actress Olivia Holt 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
Expect also to find carnival games and rides, and vendors selling trinkets, gifts, arts and crafts.
General admission includes races, shows and concerts. Ride passes or wristbands (available at the gate, at Fry’s Food Stores and at Chandler Chamber of Commerce) are required for carnival games and rides.
DETAILS >> 2 p.m. to midnight today, 10 a.m. to midnight Saturday and 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday. Tumbleweed Park, 2250 S. McQueen Road, Chandler. General admission is $10 for adults, $7 for seniors 60 and older and kids 5-12 years old. All-day carnival ride wristbands are $25 at the gate, $20 at Fry’s Food Stores or the Chandler Chamber of Commerce. Parking is $5 for cars, $3 for motorcycles. (480) 963-4571 or www.ostrichfestival.com
mike85225 posted at 10:43 pm on Fri, Mar 9, 2012.
I don't know why, but the festival was more appealing when it held in downtown. I hope they bring it back some day. They'll have to block off the area first with a fence so they can charge us money for an event that used to be free.