Bird Mentality

In a city where suburbs and farming communities are still couched in a Wild West mentality, the cultural event of the year celebrates giant flightless birds and the jockeys who race them. No, we’re not kidding. This weekend marks the 22nd year for Chandler’s Ostrich Festival, a family-oriented event featuring...

By Adriane Goetz

March 11, 2010

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In a city where suburbs and farming communities are still couched in a Wild West mentality, the cultural event of the year celebrates giant flightless birds and the jockeys who race them. No, we’re not kidding.

This weekend marks the 22nd year for Chandler’s Ostrich Festival, a family-oriented event featuring (in addition to the ostrich races) rides, games, pig races, a petting zoo, a medieval jousting tournament, and the chance to meet the baboons from the film Evan Almighty. (Ooh, celebrities!) You can also catch live musical performances from The Sugar Thieves, Cold Shott and the Hurricane Horns, and Chris Young.

Fri., March 12, 2 p.m.-midnight; Sat., March 13, 10-midnight; Sun., March 14, 10 a.m.-11 p.m., 2010

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