57th Annual International Camel & Ostrich Races returning to Virginia City Sept. 9-11

Camels, ostriches and zebras will make their way to Virginia City for the 57th annual International Camel & Ostrich Races Sept. 9-11.

The event, presented by Dolan Auto Group, is stepping into its second year at its new home at the Virginia City Arena and Fairgrounds on F Street.

In addition to the races, the event offers vendors and entertainment. New this year is a family Fun Zone and activity center complete with a rock climbing wall. The Fun Zone opens at 10 a.m. with races starting at noon.

Also new to this year’s event is ticket pricing on Friday, Sept. 9, when children’s tickets cost $8 each. Sunday, Sept. 11 is Dolan Family Day, when the first 100 children in line will receive a free camel ride courtesy of Dolan Auto Group.

General admission is $12 on Sept. 9 and $15 on Sept. 10-11; premium seating is $15 on Sept. 9 and $18 on Sept. 10-11; in-arena seating is $25 on Sept. 9 and $30 on Sept. 10-11; and VIP seating is $40 on Sept. 9 and $50 on Sept. 10-11. For tickets, go to VCCamelRaces.com.

The historic mining town is following up the camel races with The Way It Was Rodeo Sept. 17-18, when traditional rodeo events will make their return to the Comstock for the first time in almost two decades.

The event at the Virginia City Arena and Fairgrounds will offer authentic rodeo events produced by Flying U Rodeo and Cotton Rosser, known for the Reno Rodeo and other large-scale events.

Highlights include extreme bronc riding, trick roping, barrel racing, mutton bustin’ and other traditional competitions.

“This isn’t just another rodeo. It’s an authentic experience designed to let you step back in time to the way it was,” said Deny Dotson, tourism director for the Virginia City Tourism Commission. “It’s rodeo like only the Comstock can bring and good ol’ family fun for ages 2 to 92.”

Rodeo events run from 1 to 3 p.m. each day.

Tickets cost $15 per person; $18 for premium reserved seating and $50 for VIP seating. Mutton bustin’ registration is open to the first 20 future cowboys and cowgirls ages 4 to 7 and under 60 pounds; advanced registration is required to participate.

Fort tickets, go to VisitVirginiaCityNV.com.

For more information about either event, call the Virginia City Tourism Commission at 775-847-7500.