Virginia City wild weekends ahead feature Labor Day celebration, camel and ostrich races

Virginia City celebrates the next two weekends with historic proportions including the Great Civil War Days this Saturday through Monday, the annual Labor Day parade and then prepares itself with giddy and up go the following weekend with the 57th annual International Camel and Ostrich Races.

As part of The Great Civil War Days, hundreds of Comstock Civil War Reenactors participate in battles throughout town and host a camp, free and open to the public, Saturday and Sunday from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and Monday, Sept. 5 from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at Miner’s Park.

Battles take place on the V&T Railroad throughout the weekend and in the heart of Virginia City on C Street as part of the Labor Day Parade, which begins at noon. A Victorian High Tea is held upstairs at the Delta Sunday, Sept. 4 at 2 p.m., which is set with the Comstock Ladies own silver, china, crystal and linens. Tickets are $25.

Tickets for battle trains are $25 for adults and $12 for children. Tickets for the champagne battle train are $30 for adults and $15 for kids. This train leaves the Virginia & Truckee Railroad depot on F Street in Virginia City at 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 4 and includes champagne, apple juice for kids and snacks. Prior to the champagne train departure, the Ft. Point Garrison Band performs a free concert with period instruments at 6:30 at the F Street depot. To purchase tickets for any of The Great Civil War Days events, go here.

Parade entries for the annual Labor Day Parade include veteran’s groups, classic car clubs, equestrian groups, marching units and more. Parade entries are accepted until Friday, Sept. 2. The parade form can be found here or call 775-847-7500. The parade begins noon Monday on C Street.

Meanwhile, this year’s 57th annual International Camel & Ostrich Races the following weekend, Sept. 9-11, is presented by Dolan Automotive Group and features an improved family fun zone and activity center, additional in-arena entertainment and more vendors than ever before, all in addition to the hilarious camel, ostrich and zebra racing that’s captivated audiences for the past 56 years.

The family fun zone and activity center includes a rock climbing wall, trampolines, food, drink and retail vendors. With gates open from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., families have plenty of time before, after and during the racing action to enjoy the activities, vendors and atmosphere. Camel rides start at 11 a.m. for $5. Sunday is Dolan Family Day and the first 100 kids in line get a free camel ride courtesy of Dolan Automotive Group. Racing starts at high noon daily.

Located for the second year in its new home at the Virginia City Arena and Fairgrounds on F Street, parking is available in several designated lots throughout town for $5 with a free shuttle to the fairgrounds, or at the fairgrounds for $10, first come, first served. Follow event signage.

Tickets are available now online at VCCamelRaces.com. General admission pricing starts at $8 for kids and $12 for adults on Friday and $15 on Saturday and Sunday. Premium seating starts at $15 for Friday and $18 for Saturday and Sunday. In-arena and VIP packages are available starting at $25 for Friday and $30 Saturday and Sunday.

No outside food or beverages, pets or umbrellas are allowed. Hats and sunscreen are recommended for those in premium and general admission seating areas.

The 57th annual International Camel & Ostrich Races, presented by Dolan Auto Group, is sponsored by Coors Light/Blue Moon, Cemetery Gin, Virginia City’s Mustang Ranch Steakhouse, Camelot Party Rentals, Reno Media Group and the Bucket of Blood Saloon.

For more information on Virginia City, Labor Day Weekend activities, and the camel and ostrich races visit VisitvirginiaCityNV.com or call the Virginia City Tourism Commission at 775-847-7500.