Lest you cry for PETA, the Richmond Ferret Rescue League suggested adding the competition to the festival’s oddly intriguing lineup, says Highland Games spokesman Jay Lugar.

Legend has it ferret legging is derived from days of yore when Celts would use ferrets for hunting on their lords’ land. The animals — as flexible as snakes and with jaws like attack dogs — were slender and small and, unlike dogs, were perfect for hiding in pants so no one would suspect they were hunting and pilfering game. “From what I’ve heard, you’d go on a bigwig’s land with a ferret in your pants, walk past the manor and let it loose,” Lugar says, musing.

The Richmond Highland Games and Celtic Festival takes place Oct. 25 and 26 at the Richmond Raceway Complex. For more information on events and tickets visit: www.richmondceltic.com. — Brandon Walters