International Camel and Ostrich Races return to Virginia City for 59th year Sept. 7-9
Submitted by Brett Fisher on Sun, 09/02/2018 - 10:16am
Virginia City has come to be known for embracing the strange, the odd, and the downright weird.
From the annual Rocky Mountain Oyster Fry to World Championship Outhouse Races, the Comstock is often the place to go when you want to experience the unusual.
No other Virginia City event, though, embodies this spirit more than the International Camel and Ostrich Races, held each September following Labor Day.
Not only are the races themselves a bit eccentric, but so is the pairing of riding animals to riders: Camels, Ostriches and Zebras.
The strange spectacle, now in its 59th year, attracts a robust crowd eager to watch hilarity and comical antics often unfold on the track.
"It’s a sight you won't see anywhere else except Virginia City," the Virginia City Tourism Commission web site states.
The International Camel and Ostrich Races, presented by Dolan Auto Group, take place Sept. 7-9 this year at the Virginia City Arena and Fairgrounds located at 458 F Street.
Races on Friday, Sept. 7 run from 12 noon to 2 p.m. They resume Saturday, Sept. 8 with two shows: in the morning from 10 a.m. to 12 noon and again in the afternoon from 2 to 4 p.m.
There will be live entertainment in between shows without intermission. DJs, music, emcees and skits are powered by Amplified Entertainment.
Racing concludes Sept. 9 on "Dolan Family Day" with a final Champion Sunday show from 12 noon to 2 p.m.
After the races, join the "Camel Hump to C Street," where thirsty camels have been known to duck into a bar or two.
Race sponsors include Cemetery Gin, the Bucket of Blood Saloon, Coors Light, and Camelot Party Rentals.
A new feature at this year's races is expanded shade seating, giving more people an opportunity to stay cool while enjoying the zany event.
"For the first time, the International Camel and Ostrich Races is providing a large section of shaded bleacher seats," the Virginia City Tourism Commission stated. "Located on the east side of the arena, these tented shaded bleacher seats will have an up close view of all the unpredictable action that occurs at the starting gates!"
Ticket are available now online at eventbrite.com. Pricing is as follows:
Friday, Sept. 7, 2018
General Admission: $12
Kids (3-12)/Seniors General Admission: $8
Premium Shaded Seating: $22
VIP Seating: $55
Saturday, Sept. 8 (both shows) and Sunday, Sept. 9, 2018
General Admission: $15
Kids (3-12)/Seniors General Admission: $12
Premium Shaded Seating: $25
VIP Seating: $55
Visit Virginia City online for more information, or call 775-847-7500.
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