The 65th annual International Camel & Ostrich Races will take place in Virginia City, Nevada, from September 6 to September 8, 2024.
This quirky event features races with camels, ostriches, zebras, and emus, promising a fun-filled experience for attendees of all ages.
Event Schedule
- Friday, September 6, 2024: Hot Camel Nights evening show from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM
- Saturday, September 7, 2024: Two shows at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM, plus the special Camel Hump to C Street event from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM
- Sunday, September 8, 2024: Family Day with a show at 12:00 PM, and the first 100 kids getting a free camel ride
Venue and Activities
The races will be held at the Virginia City Fairgrounds, featuring various seating options, food trucks, craft vendors, entertainment, and a fully stocked bar in the exclusive VIP Tent.
Free shuttles will be available for attendees to explore the area, which includes restaurants, unique shops, famous saloons, mine tours, ghost tours, and museums.
The event is family-friendly and includes activities like camel rides and contests for spectators.
Tickets are on sale now on the website, and attendees are advised to purchase them in advance to avoid day-of pricing.
The Legend Behind the Camel Races
The International Camel & Ostrich Races in Virginia City originated from a prank in 1959, when the editor of the Territorial Enterprise wrote a fake story about camels racing in the city.
The San Francisco Chronicle printed the story, unaware that it was a hoax.
The following year, they borrowed camels from the San Francisco Zoo and brought them to Virginia City to race them, thus starting a beloved tradition that continues to this day.
Don’t miss out on this unique and entertaining event!
Mark your calendars for September 6-8, 2024, and head to Virginia City for a weekend of good-old fashioned fun at the 65th International Camel & Ostrich Races.
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