Ostrich ranching was once a prominent part of life in Chandler. Chandler and Maricopa County led the nation in raising ostriches for their stylish and expensive plumes. To celebrate the city's rich history as well as provide a first-class community event, the Chandler Chamber of Commerce created the Ostrich Festival in 1989.

Universal Fairs is the producer of the 2010 Ostrich Festival. Even with a production company, the Ostrich Festival would not be possible without the countless hours given by more than 300 community volunteers.

Local businesses and corporations help fund some of the cost of the Festival by sponsorship contributions (both monetary and in-kind services).

The event is held at Tumbleweed Park (McQueen and Germann Roads). Though traditionally held in downtown Chandler, the festival was moved in 2003 due to the redistricting of the downtown area.

The festival served as a backdrop in the 1995 Whitney Houston film, "Waiting to Exhale" and has received international media attention. The festival was also portrayed in a Harlequin Romance novel title, "Lover Boy."

On Saturday morning a week before the festival the Ostrich Festival Parade takes you back with an old-fashioned community parade complete with high school marching bands, clowns, and floats.

The 22nd Annual Ostrich Festival will provide live entertainment on two stages. The Community Stage features local groups such as, school music groups, dance troupes, and karate demonstrations. The Main Stage provides nationally known headliners each night.

If chills and thrills are your idea of entertainment the festival offers a large carnival where you can experience state fair size rides, including traditional favorites. Let your kids bounce, crawl, run, and jump at Kids Zone, a place that's just for children. Kids Zone has the latest inflatable toys and bounces, a petting zoo, pony rides and other fun activities for the younger event goer.

The 22nd Annual Ostrich Festival will offer a place to experience, eat and purchase all things Ostrich! Ostrich Alley has carved ostrich and emu eggs, feathers, stuffed animals, and other souvenirs. Visit with Ostival and TuTu LaPlume, the festival mascots. Try an Ostrich Burger, Ostrich Jerky and fresh Emu Eggs.

We hope that you come out and experience everything the Ostrich Festival has to offer. We promise, you won't be disappointed!