Camel racing is one of the features during “Extreme Race Day” at Canterbury Park on Aug. 8.

Canterbury Park’s fourth annual “Extreme Race Day,” featuring camel and ostrich races, will be held Sunday, Aug. 8 at the Shakopee racetrack.

“Extreme Race Day,” attracting large crowds and lots of curiosity in past years, will also include imaginative horse races with unusual matchups, surfaces or distances, according to a Canterbury press release.

The star attractions for the day are Joe Hedrick’s camels and ostriches, who have been entertaining at Canterbury and other race tracks for years.

Hedrick predicted that weather conditions could dictate winners in the camel and ostrich races.  Hot and dry weather may favor “Clyde the Camel” and “Daffy Ostrich.”  

If the track is wet, look out for “Oasis Ali” and “Big Bird.” Hedrick, a former rodeo clown, has been raising and showing exotic animals since the 1970s.

He operates an exotic animal attraction in Nickerson, Kansas. Gates open at noon, with the first race at 1:30 p.m. (Times for the camel and ostrich races will be announced soon. Wagering isn’t allowed on these races).

In celebration of Canterbury Park’s 25th anniversary season, admission and parking are free. Canterbury Park is located at 1100 Canterbury Road, Shakopee. For more information, call (952) 445-7223, or visit www.canterburypark.com.

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Share your neighborhood's National Night Out photos by emailing mfrancisco@swpub.com.

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