The festival grounds are actually a giant parking lot that is used during football games at nearby Sun Devil Stadium. The carnival atmosphere that you get from the many midway games and amusement rides tends to overshadow the food aspect. But several good, mid-priced restaurants are represented. The 1998 entertainment lineup included a couple of nationally touring bands. The event is sponsored by the Bashas' chain of grocery stores.
Admission is free, with coupons purchased for food sampling, the rides and games.
This wacky, two-day family festival harkens back to the days of ostrich farms in the Valley. From the streets of historic downtown Chandler, see jockeys ride ostriches as if they were thoroughbreds. Watch a parade and view exhibits on science, technology and agriculture. There is a carnival midway and live entertainment. In 1998, the slate of live music included rock, funk and jazz from Joan Jett, Kool and the Gang and Hiroshima.