Ferret Legging in Virginia

From the: Richmond Times Dispatch (Virginia) , October 23, 2003

Ferret Out What's New at Festival:
Get a Leg Up on the Competition as Organizers Bring Another Celtic Sport to Games

By Melissa Ruggieri

The motto of the Richmond Highland Games & Celtic Festival might be "Music, Food and Large Men Throwing Stuff." But they forgot about the ferrets.

Sure, there are competitions for piping and drumming and plenty of shopping and whisky-tasting. But for the first time in the festival's nine-year history, the ancient Celtic sport of ferret legging is being introduced.

Yes, ferret legging is exactly what you might think it is.

Festival spokesman Jay Lugar explains the sport as, "putting the ferret in your pants and the person who keeps it in the longest wins. ... Ferrets are generally very harmless, fun-loving creatures."

Organizers are working with the Ferret Rescue League to ensure that all of the participating critters are safe.

And what does the guy or gal who endures the squirming mass the longest win?

Why, the honorary title of King (or Queen) Ferret Legger, of course.

Look for the event twice each day between acts.
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