The Annual Virginia City Camel Races are a tradition in this small mountain Nevada town dating back to the 19th Century when the US military tried to use camels for desert transport in this region (it didn't work, wrong kind of hooves). Mark Twain wrote about the races during his residency in the town in the 1860s, and the tradition was re-ignited by John Houston & company when they filmed the Misfits nearby in 1960. Now, the camels come from Kansas every year, along with zebras and ostriches. Virginia City is the only town in the United States with dedicated camel races. It's a 3 day affair, full of celebration, and all are welcome to ride and compete.