On Saturday morning, Rich and I wandered over to the Ostrich Festival in Chandler which is where we live. I'd love to tell you that it was Rich's idea but in fact it was mine! I had missed it last year and had it on my calendar since January.
I love these oh so awkward feathered animals. Their incredibly tall necks that allow them to tower over all of us, big beady eyes, a pointy beak and a bold collection of feathers. These birds - wait, really...these are birds? I still can't get over the fact that Ostriches belong to the bird family. But anyway, these birds are simply so unique that I can't help but just stare in awe at them.
The biggest draw at the Ostrich Festival are the Ostrich races. Unfortunately Rich and I got to the race late so it was standing room only and we could hardly see a thing. I'm selfishly glad that it worked out that way as it was that race that one of the riders got violently thrown off the ostrich she was riding and was seriously hurt. EMTs had to be called and I'm not sure what happened after that as Rich and I decided to leave as I was felt pretty disturbed. I'm glad that I did not see that accident happen. I guess the ostrich rammed himself in to the iron fence at about 35 miles an hour with her on it. To make us feel better my humor kicked in as I pointed out that perhaps ostriches weren't made to be ridden by humans. (insert cheeky smile) Anyway I hope that rider is ok. It didn't sound good but I've checked the news and nothing popped up.
I have to say that the best part of the Ostrich Festival was coming across this sign and being pulled in by our never-ending curiosity.
I was kinda expecting Harley to be a big pig but nothing that would make your jaw drop. Boy oh boy was I SO wrong! Guys, this was indeed the BIGGEST pig you will ever come across. The picture hopefully puts in to perspective how HUGE this pig was.
I have to say that I really kinda wanted to jump in to Harley's pen and give him a big hug but I had a sneaky suspicion that he'd probably kick my ass.
I then thought about giving him a kiss....
I was kinda expecting Harley to be a big pig but nothing that would make your jaw drop. Boy oh boy was I SO wrong! Guys, this was indeed the BIGGEST pig you will ever come across. The picture hopefully puts in to perspective how HUGE this pig was.
I have to say that I really kinda wanted to jump in to Harley's pen and give him a big hug but I had a sneaky suspicion that he'd probably kick my ass.
I then thought about giving him a kiss....
...I just couldn't figure out where on his mammoth sized head I would plant the kiss. Wrapped in confusion, I ended up leaving his pen without rewarding him with one of my prized kisses. :)
All in all, the Ostrich Festival was an 'ok' outing. It was rather hot (which we weren't prepared for) and it was more of a fair geared towards children. I'm not sure that Rich or I will return next year. Actually Rich said something more along the lines of "i'm never coming back" but you know the heat was kinda getting to him and we were dying of thirst! I don't know how hot it was this weekend but it felt like we had hit the 90's. Oh wait, that's our forecast for this Thursday. No joke friends, no joke.
Anyway after a 2 hour nap at the house (woah, talk about a deep sleep) Rich and I headed out for 'date night' which we try to do once in a while. We ended up at one of our favorite spots called Cornish Pastry which does an awesome job in re-creating Cornwall's infamous little pastry filled with goodness. I love this place! It is such comfort food. :)
All in all, the Ostrich Festival was an 'ok' outing. It was rather hot (which we weren't prepared for) and it was more of a fair geared towards children. I'm not sure that Rich or I will return next year. Actually Rich said something more along the lines of "i'm never coming back" but you know the heat was kinda getting to him and we were dying of thirst! I don't know how hot it was this weekend but it felt like we had hit the 90's. Oh wait, that's our forecast for this Thursday. No joke friends, no joke.
Anyway after a 2 hour nap at the house (woah, talk about a deep sleep) Rich and I headed out for 'date night' which we try to do once in a while. We ended up at one of our favorite spots called Cornish Pastry which does an awesome job in re-creating Cornwall's infamous little pastry filled with goodness. I love this place! It is such comfort food. :)
10 comments:
My Children and I also saw the woman's accident with the Ostrich Race on Saturday 3/14. It greatly upset my 3 year old! I can't find ANYTHING online regarding her condition. Any ideas where to find out? My son would like some assurances that she is really ok like I've been telling him!!
Dad says you look like Freida Pinto in these photographs:)
They are auditioning Freida for the upcoming Bond Movie. Why don't you compete with her for the job??
Crish says no, you look prettier as you have larger eyes. So please audition for the Bond part!1
I looove the Cornish pasty company! That place is amazing!
There are so many cool things going on this time of year in PHX that its hard to do them all! I have actually never been to the ostrich festival. (Not living in Chandler and all.)
How fun. Never heard of an ostrich festival, but thanks for giving me a glimpse into what it is. Bummer about the rider. I'm with you, who rides an ostrich?!
Anonymous - I did another google search and didn't anything but one small paragraph on yahoo buzz stating that the ostrich not only threw her off, but stepped on her and then sat on her. i think she must be ok otherwise the news would be all over it. i hope you can convince your son that she's ok!!
Mum - oooooh, what a compliment! i'm not sure that i'll be rushing to L.A. to audition but the thought is definitely nice. :)
Leaner - i think your girls would like the ostrich festival - there are a lot of rides, yummy food, a petting zoo and a sea lion show. it's definitely a wonderful place for children!
Lauren - i think arizona may be the only place to coin the infamous 'ostrich festival'. :) lucky us!
Ok so I totally agree that humans should not ride ostriches...wtf. That's just ridiculous. I mean they just don't look...stable...
Anyway you guys look super happy together :) Just wanted to throw that in there.
dresden - ya, you're not going to catch me riding an ostrich ANY time soon. :) now camels are a different story. thanks for the compliment!
Wow, I would never have imagined an ostrich festival in the USA. They are endemic to where I live and have been domesticated. I have featured them quite often in the wild and on farms.
As for that pig, it is enourmons - about 6.25 times my weight, which puts it into context for me.
Max - yes that pig was HUGE!! It was totally the $1 we paid to get in to see him. :) I think ostrich's are awesome creatures. I guess they are birds but sometimes I think they should be their own category. They are just so unique!
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