This year, however, so many snakes were rounded up that there's hardly a market for selling. While organizers say the snake hunters who bring in big rattlers get rid of nuisance reptiles, opponents say eastern diamondback snakes are declining in population. Plans for the "World's Largest Rattlesnake Roundup" this weekend in the Texas town of Sweetwater are full-scale ahead, with snakes set to be skinned and others "milked" of their venom. This does put us on the map, she said. Ronald Erdrich is the photojournalist and a columnist for the Abilene Reporter-News. It began 64 years ago to keep snakes from overtaking the town and attacking livestock, pets and people, organizers say. Extra measures included hand sanitizer and regular wiping down of all areas and tour buses. Everybody was nervous about it and didnt know how it would go, Cox said. Theres even a pageant for local young women, Miss Snake Charmer. In 2021, the Sweetwater Roundup caught 3,682 pounds of rattlesnakes. var linktext = username + "@" + hostname; The Sweetwater Jaycees society, which runs the festival, said they were thrilled it could go ahead after a year of uncertainty. Admission: none Days/Hours Open: All Days 8am6pm Address: 110 E. 15th Street, Sweetwater, TX 79556 Other Activities: sweetwater lions club car show, sweetwater rattlesnake roundup Attendance: 9,000 # Food Booths: 20 # of Exhibitors: 235 Juried: no Prize Money: na Deadlines: Art & Craft: 03/01/2023 Music: na Food: 03/01/2023 Since 1958, the Sweetwater Jaycees has hosted the largest rattlesnake roundup in the world. Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. wind speeds 158-206 mph) tornado 1.8 miles away from the Sweetwater city center killed one person and injured 100 people and caused between $5,000,000 and $50,000,000 in damages.. On 5/24/1968, a category F3 tornado 15.9 . SWEETWATER, TEXAS RATTLESNAKE ROUNDUP - YouTube 0:00 / 8:15 SWEETWATER, TEXAS RATTLESNAKE ROUNDUP 37,579 views Apr 10, 2018 330 Dislike Share Save Mark Lotterhand 2.13K subscribers Unchecked. Enter the email address you used when you joined. Rather, organizers liken snake hunting to how other hunters keep deer numbers in check. Copyright 2023 KSAT.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. . If its the second weekend in March, that means its time for the Worlds Largest Rattlesnake Roundup in Sweetwater. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has expressed concerns about how it couldimpact other species that share their habitat. We will be donating the first month of each new vendor & artist subscription to the Austin Justice Coalition. Then came perfect weather for the one-day Georgia show, and there were no complaints whatsoever, he said. 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.The Sweetwater Rifle & Pistol Club Gun, Knife and Coin Show. But on the first weekend after Easter, they become a platform for this tough annual raceThe Waynoka Rattlesnake Hunt. A few rattlesnake roundups still persist, the Arizona-based Center for Biological Diversity said in a statement full of scorn for the Texas festival, which is notorious for openly killing and skinning western diamondback rattlesnakes by the hundreds in front of crowds.. WOODSTOCK, Ga. An annual rattlesnake roundup in south Georgia recently changed the format of this months event to celebrate living snakes without skinning and butchering them, earning plaudits from animal rights activists. Depending on the weather, or even a pandemic, the town's population. Sweetwater, TX (79556) Today. Meat judges are needed, so feel free to volunteer. Gates open at noon Friday and cost is $5 per person/per day. In Georgia, organizers say the more humane format they launched for the first time last weekend was a success. Karen Hunt grew up in Sweetwater, and recalls fellow Texans asking her about her hometown. Rattles are used for souvenirs, as are the heads, Cumbie said. Historically, the first rattlesnake Roundup kicked off in 1958, at Sweetwater, Texas, U.S. Go here to update it. The same is true in the south Alabama town of Opp, where an annual rattlesnake festival that has drawn thousands for nearly six decades opens on 25 March. Sweetwater, TX (79556) Today. Sweetwater, Texas 79556 325-235-3484 - Office nolancountycoliseum@gmail.com Exact attendance figures are unknown because many people such as children are admitted free, but Ive heard anywhere from 7,000 to 15,000, said longtime volunteer Jeffrey Cox, who has been helping to organize the Whigham Rattlesnake Roundup for the past four decades. Afterwards, they are butchered for their meat, skin and venom and sold to anyone who can make use of them. Everybody was nervous about it and didn't know how it would go," Cox said. Sweetwater Jaycees Rattle Staid State Capitol with Snakes Miss Snake Charmer 2023 Contestants Attend Pageant Tea Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, SEED, City of Sweetwater, NFC Partner to Bring Free Fitness Court to Newman Park SISD Transfers SHS Interim Principalship to Kathy Smartt Served with ranch or blue cheese and celery. We also butcher about 1,000 pounds of them each year that we actually cook on the spot.". Wing Dings: $8 1 lb. Everybody was nervous about it and didnt know how it would go, Cox added. Snake hunts are offered throughout the day at nearby locales, and audience members will alsohavethe chance to skin a rattlesnakeas well asdine on the reptile's deep-fried meat. In Texas, the Sweetwater roundup is intertwined with the towns culture and draws visitors from all over the world. The Fascinating Underwater World and the Legacy of Jacques Cousteau Free High-Quality Documentaries 50th Annual Freer Rattlesnake Round-Up Wolters World 2.2M views 6 years ago 10 Most Beautiful. Thousands of people, including families with young kids, flocked to take part in festivities this weekend at the Nolan County Coliseum in Sweetwater, Texas. SWEETWATER, Texas (KCBD) - The 64th Annual Worlds Largest Rattlesnake Round-Up will take place on March 11 through 13 at the Nolan County Coliseum, located at 220 Coliseum Drive in Sweetwater. . The weekend kicks off on Thursday with a rattlesnake parade, carnival . Theres no waste, he said. Front Row L to R: Sylvia Martinez of Snyder HS, Jasimen Courtney of Snyder HS Miss Snake Charmer 2022 Macy Newberry of Sweetwater HS, . . Rather, organizers liken snake hunting to how other hunters keep deer numbers in check. Sweetwater has held its rattlesnake roundup for more than six decades, and what we have figured out over 64 years is that were not damaging the population of the snakes whatsoever, Cumbie said. var username = "info"; The Hunt custom dates back to the 1940s when local farmers suffered from snakes attacking their livestock. We also butcher about 1,000 pounds of them each year that we actually cook on the spot., FILE -Sweetwater Jaycees clean and skinned rattlesnakes during 57th Sweetwater Jaycees World Largest Rattlesnake Round-up at the Nolan County Coliseum in Sweetwater Texas, March 14, 2015. 70% payback. | Austin, TX. Nolan County Coliseum In Texas, the Sweetwater roundup is intertwined with the town's culture and draws visitors from all over the world. TX This does put us on the map, she said. Then came perfect weather for the one-day Georgia show, and there were no complaints whatsoever," he said. The move ends Georgia's inhumane rattlesnake roundup legacy. An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Low 43F. What it does for our community is give us a sense of place.. The snakes skins will eventually show up on cowboy boots, belts and other western wear. Sweetwater has held its rattlesnake roundup for more than six decades, and what we have figured out over 64 years is that were not damaging the population of the snakes whatsoever, Cumbie said. Eugene De Leon Sr. died Saturday night from his injury at Rattlesnake Roundup in Freer. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. You Children watched in awe as handlers tipped buckets of venomous snakes into a writhing pit. Cookerregistration is $80 or $25 ea. Rattles are used for souvenirs, as are the heads, Cumbie said. 79556. Thousands of people,. While 24,262 pounds of rattlesnakes were bought at the expo in Sweetwater, there were still about 75,000 pounds of rattlesnakes left over, as reported by the . 2023 www.reporternews.com. Camping is by reservations only. While organizers say the snake hunters who bring in big rattlers get rid of nuisance reptiles, opponents say Eastern diamondback snakes are declining in population. This website uses cookies to provide our visitors with a great user experience. Center for Biological Diversity: Largest Remaining Roundup in Sweetwater, Texas, Should Follow Suit, Conservationists Say. The hungriest competitors went head to head in the eating contest. There will be live music on Fri. and Sat. 64th Rattlesnake Roundup in Sweetwater March 11-13, 5:00-10:00 carnival - $35 all day pass (carnival rides only) or $100 all weekend pass (carnival only), 7:00 PM Miss Snake Charmer Pageant at Municipal Auditorium 201 E 4th Street - adult ticket $10, student ticket $5, Tickets prices: adults $10, active/retired military $5 with valid ID, children 5-12 $5, children 4 and under free, 9:00-6:00 Sweetwater rifle and Pistol Club Gun, Knife, and Coin Show with $5 entry, children 12 and under free when accompanied by an adult, 8:00-5:00 Sweetwater Lions Club Flea Market, 10:00 Guided Snake Hunts - Must sign up prior and must have valid hunting license, 2:00PM - 12:00 AM Carnival - $35 all day pass for rides and tickets $1, 9:00-6:00 Sweetwater Rifle and Pistol Club Gun, Knife, and Coin Show with $5 entry, children 12 & under free when accompanied by an adult, 10:00AM - 12:00 AM Carnival - $35 all day pass for rides or tickets $1, 8:00 PM Dance at the Jaycee Barn at 307 W 4th Street - $20 per person and cooler charge $5 small $10 large, 4:00 Longest Snake Contest and Most Pounds Entered Awards, 9:00-5:00 Sweetwater Rifle and Pistol Club Gun, Coin, and Knife Show - $5 entry fee, children 12& under free when accompanied by an adult, 10:00AM-8:00PM Carnival - $35 day pass for carnival rides or tickets $1. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. It began 64 years ago to keep snakes from overtaking the town and attacking . The following is the full schedule for the 2022 Rattlesnake Roundup: Thursday March 10, 2022: 4:30 pm Rattlesnake Parade 5:00 pm-10:00 pm Carnival All day pass - $35.00 (all you can ride) Carnival only Weekend pass $100.00 (sold only on Thursday) Carnival only Tickets - $1.00 each 7:00 pm Miss Snake Charmer Pageant Adults - $10.00 Students - $5.00 Join Now: Vendors | Artists | Already PRO? But no such changes are occurring at a huge rattlesnake roundup beginning this weekend, Saturday March 12, 2022 in Texas, a festival that the activists say is barbaric. Each spring, the small city of Sweetwater, Texas, hosts what it bills as the world's largest rattlesnake roundup. The bloodiest part is the skinning pit, where people can try their hand at pulling off the pelts - which are preserved and used as leather. We also butcher about 1,000 pounds of them each year that we actually cook on the spot., Original reporting and incisive analysis, direct from the Guardian every morning. Heads are pickled in jars complete with exposed fangs, while the flesh is chopped into nuggets and deep fried. Sweetwater has held its rattlesnake roundup for more than six decades, and what we have figured out over 64 years is that we're not damaging the population of the snakes whatsoever, Cumbie said. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. The 64th Sweetwater Jaycees World's Largest Annual Rattlesnake Roundup is this weekend. Dates: March 10th - 12th, 2023. Hunters gather the snakes theres a contest for those capturing the largest ones and theyre brought to the Nolan County Coliseum, where multiple parts of the snakes are harvested, Cumbie said. SWEETWATER, Texas (KCBD) - The 64th Annual World's Largest Rattlesnake Round-Up will take place on March 11 through 13 at the Nolan County Coliseum, located at 220 Coliseum Drive in Sweetwater. This event runs alongside the Sweetwater Rifle and Pistol Club's gun and coin show, founded in the 1940s. The 64th Annual World's Largest Rattlesnake Round-Up will take place on March 11, 12, 13 2022 at The Nolan County Coliseum, . Our feature-length documentary, Rounding Up Sweetwater, will debunk both the pseudo-science used to justify roundups as well as negative stereotypes about rattlesnakes used to demonize them. Oklahoma. The World's Largest Rattlesnake Roundup takes place in Sweetwater, Texas, every year. McCann admitted the event was a test of how the state can open up safely and there are "lots of eyes on us". 231 subscribers 2020 rattlesnake roundup Sweetwater texas music: solitude musician: rook1e music:acoustic guitar 1 musician: music by audionautix.com Limited-time offer - $30 off Explore 85+. Sweetwater Rattlesnake RoundUp March 10 - 12, 2023 Nolan County Coliseum Sweetwater, TX 79556 Status: Updated 12/5/2022 Sweetwater Jaycees World's Largest Rattlesnake Round Up Admission: none Days/Hours Open: Thu 4:30pm9pm, Fri 8am5pm, Sat 8am6pm, Sun 8am5pm Address: 1699 Cypress Street, Sweetwater, TX 79556 Entertainment: 1 stage - Local. It arose as a result of a wide influx of rattlesnakes that were killing livestock and pets of inhabitants of the community. The Sweetwater Jaycees visited the Texas State Capitol Building this week to promote public awareness of rattlesnakes in advance of the 63rd World's Largest Rattlesnake Round up. Addie Gedea; Mar 12, 2022 Mar 12, 2022 Updated Mar 12, 2022; Comments; . Manage Settings Yes, were the rattlesnake town, they would say. Active/retired military, $5 (with valid military ID); Ages 5-12, $5; 4 and under, free.. Up to age 12: Free with . Sweetwater Municipal Auditorium. For Immediate Release, February 28, 2022 Contact: Elise Bennett, (727) 755-6950, ebennett@biologicaldiversity.org . We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. NOLAN COUNTY COLISEUM Sweetwater, TX Terry Locklar General Manager - Marketing Director 220 Coliseum Drive. He's the chairman of the milking pit, where venom is extracted and then used to develop various drugs for a range of illnesses. A contestant at the Miss Snake Charmer pageant poses at the 2021 rattlesnake roundup. There's even a pageant for local young women, Miss Snake Charmer. Publication of festival information does not imply endorsement by or affiliation with Everfest. Guided Snake Hunt - Friday Friday, March 11th For those wishing to see the rattlesnake in its natural habitat, we offer guided hunts. The same is true in the south Alabama town of Opp, where an annual rattlesnake festival that has drawn thousands for nearly six decades opens March 25. Hunters gather the snakes there's a contest for those capturing the largest ones and they're brought to the Nolan County Coliseum, where multiple parts of the snakes are harvested, Cumbie said. People of the small town of Claxton, Georgia transformed their rattlesnake roundup into the Claxton Rattlesnake and Wildlife Festival, a festival where they promote conservation and education instead of fear and misconceptions. Now, as director of the Sweetwater and Nolan county chamber of commerce, Hunt fields calls from people in England, Germany and other parts of the world inquiring about the festival and making plans to visit. Is this your event? An annual rattlesnake roundup in south Georgia recently changed the format of this months event to celebrate living snakes without skinning and butchering them, earning plaudits from animal rights activists. //-->, Copyright FestivalNet 2022. If it's the second weekend in March, that means it's time for the World's Largest Rattlesnake Roundup in Sweetwater. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. But no such changes are occurring at a huge rattlesnake roundup beginning this weekend in Texas, a festival that the activists say is barbaric. A few rattlesnake roundups still persist, the Arizona-based Center for Biological Diversity said in a statement full of scorn for the Texas festival, which is notorious for openly killing and skinning western diamondback rattlesnakes by the hundreds in front of crowds.. 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