The event occurred at​​ Tumbleweed Park in Chander over two weekends: March 14-16 and March 21-23.

Terri Kimble, president and CEO of the Chandler Chamber Of Commerce, said the festival got its name due to the city’s history. Before Chandler became a city, a man named A.J. Chandler was a local veterinarian. Aside from caring for animals, he had many of his own, mainly ostriches.

Kimble said Chandler was one of the nation's largest ostrich farmers in the early 1900s. Many people, including Chandler, used the ostriches for ostrich ranching, which, according to The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, is one of the most profitable agricultural projects and is often referred to as “the farm of the future.” Many ranchers use the ostriches for their hide, feathers and meat.

Kimball said that while Chandler has moved away from ostrich ranching and moved towards the tech industry, the festival still honors the ostrich-rich history. The chamber brings in about 25 ostriches each festival; attendees can see them up close in person and take pictures with them.

The ostriches are not the only part of the festival. The festival features many family-friendly shows, such as Dominguez's Family Circus, known for its performances on America's Got Talent in 2019, BMX riders, many of whom have competed in the X Games and Professor Smart’s science show.

However, many people attend the festival for the carnival rides, games and food.

Nicholas Chapman works for Butler Amusements, which provides rides and games for festivals like the Ostrich Festival. He was working the Hoop Shot game, which he said he loves because it’s in his element. He loves to see people's reactions when trying to score a basket.

“As convenient as it is, I grew up playing basketball my whole life,” Chapman said. “I even played college ball as well. I went to the University of St Mary's… I think set aside from being in my own element, it's nice to see [you] put a smile on family's faces. You don't know what people are going through, so it's nice to at least bring some joy to the day.”

He works at festivals throughout Arizona, California and Idaho for 10 months of the year. Chapman said his favorite moment working games like Hoops Shot is seeing employees supporting one another.

“[My] favorite moment is probably when we get all [of] our peers, and everybody's watching, and that person that's been trying all day to make it finally gets it in, and everybody cheers for them,” Champman said. “They finally get their prize. Hey, you make their day. That's the best of it.”

Chapman added the most popular prize at the basketball game, and his favorite is the stuffed Top Ramen.

Another beloved aspect of the festival is the concert series. This year, many notable acts performed at the event, such as Breland, Los Rieleros del Norte, American Authors and Natasha Bedingfield.

Kimble said what makes Ostrich Festival so unique is it showcases all of Chandler’s history.

“It's a way to celebrate our history, but also where we revolt evolved into where we're at today,” Kimble said. “We have a number of different activities out here, from looking at the ostriches to the steam tent right next to it. That's where Chandler has evolved as a high-tech, steam-centered community. And it's really a way of showcasing, bringing the entire community together. It's kind of like a giant homecoming.”

She added that her favorite memory involves the different quirky aspects of the festival over the years.

“We have been recognized by Animal Planet, been out here,” Kimble said. “We've had Snapple. Snapple has trivia on their drink caps. They were out here a few years ago, and one of the trivia questions was, what is the size of an ostrich's brain? It's two and a half times smaller than its eye. So those types of fun things, helping to put Chandler on the map.”

Whether you're going for the carnival games and rides, the fair food or the music, one thing is for sure: you’ll be “emu-sed.”