Here are a few more preview pictures and video clips offering a sneak peek of the Chandler Ostrich Festival. The party will start Friday, 11 March 2022, 2pm. Video at end of article.
Approach with caution as these ostriches have a habit of pecking at hands. However, their bite force if very limited and even if they do get your hands or fingers in their beak, you should escape without a scratch.
The Ostrich Festival is rooted in Chandler's history. In the early 20th century ostriches were raised on farms in the area of today's Chandler. This was done to sell ostrich feathers for women's hats. With the advent of the automobile such hats went out of fashion and the region diversified its economy. Chandler was essentially founded by Dr. Alexander John Chandler, a veterinarian who studied irrigation techniques and made first plans for a township. The city of Chandler was incorporated in 1920. Dr. Chandler severed as first mayor.