Yes, were the rattlesnake town, they would say. Theres even a pageant for local young women, Miss Snake Charmer. Since 1958, the Sweetwater Jaycees has hosted the largest rattlesnake roundup in the world. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. The Sweetwater Rifle & Pistol Club Gun, Knife and Coin Show Adults: $5 Up to age 12: Free with. 2012 letter of praise for switching the Claxton Rattlesnake Roundup to a . Sweetwater, TX (79556) Today. Publication of festival information does not imply endorsement by or affiliation with Everfest. Winds could occasionally gust over 50 mph.. . We want everybody to come and see us and see what we're doing.". Hes the chairman of the milking pit, where venom is extracted and then used to develop various drugs for a range of illnesses. 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.. Our feature-length documentary, Rounding Up Sweetwater, will debunk both the pseudo-science used to justify roundups as well as negative . (Courtney Sacco/Odessa American via AP, File), Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. Join Festivalnet.com now to unlock additional details, , Copyright FestivalNet 2022. The snakes skins will eventually show up on cowboy boots, belts and other western wear. Rather, organizers liken snake hunting to how other hunters keep deer numbers in check. Full hindquarter, seasoned and grilled. Besides renewables, Sweetwater is also known for hosting special events that attract tourists. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. The 21st Annual Jaycee Roosters Motorcycle Rally and Cook-off and Swap Meet will be held at Sweetwater Lake Park in Sweetwater, Texas from April 15, 2022 to April 17, 2022. In Texas, the Sweetwater roundup is intertwined with the towns culture and draws visitors from all over the world. Sweetwater has some amazing attractions hosted throughout the year! 2023 www.reporternews.com. Come join the fun and check it out. 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. 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. With two historical museums, the famous rattlesnake roundup, and much more, Sweetwater has fun attractions that will keep you busy! Free patch & pin with pre-registration by 4-04-2020. 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 Rather, organizers liken snake hunting to how other hunters keep deer numbers in check. Children watched in awe as handlers tipped buckets of venomous snakes into a writhing pit. The two events are a marked contrast in how rattlesnakes are handled. Restrooms and free warm showers are available. Sweetwater Jaycees Announce Rattlesnake Roundup Media Day; Ridin . 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. All rights reserved. Guided Snake Hunt - Saturday Saturday, March 12th For those wishing to see the rattlesnake in its natural habitat, we offer guided hunts. Karen Hunt grew up in Sweetwater, and recalls fellow Texans asking her about her home town. A Georgia rattler roundup no longer kills the animals but Texas town of Sweetwater is proud of its tradition. Each spring, the small city of Sweetwater, Texas, hosts what it bills as the world's largest rattlesnake roundup. We learn how you can have fun at the event even if you want to stay clear of the snakes. Events began at 4:30 p.m. Thursday with the Rattlesnake Parade, which was followed at 7 p.m. by the Miss Snake Charmer Pageant at Sweetwater Municipal Auditorium. 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. Rattlesnake roundups take two paths, drawing praise and scorn by The Associated Press | March 12, 2022 at 10:00 p.m. Its very much part of our culture.. What it does for our community is give us a sense of place.. There's even a pageant for local young women, Miss Snake Charmer.The town of 11,000 is expected to swell to around 30,000 during the festival that runs Friday through Sunday, said Dennis Cumbie, one . Activists hope that change such as those made by the Whigham Rattlesnake Roundup will inspire others to follow in their. 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 . The town of 11,000 is expected to swell to around 30,000 during the festival that runs Friday through Sunday, said Dennis Cumbie, one of the organizers. 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. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. Its very much part of our culture.. In Texas, the Sweetwater roundup is intertwined with the towns culture and draws visitors from all over the world. Front Row L to R: Sylvia Martinez of Snyder HS, Jasimen Courtney of Snyder HS Miss Snake Charmer 2022 Macy Newberry of Sweetwater HS, . In Georgia, organizers say the more humane format they launched for the first time last weekend was a success. Around two and a half tons of western diamondback rattlesnakes are rounded up each year for the festival, which was founded in 1958 as a way to control the population. Thousands of people,. We encourage you to join us and consider supporting the Austin Justice Coalition or the organization leading the ongoing movement for accountability and change in your community. Courtesy photo The Sweetwater Jaycee's famed Rattlesnake Roundup is set for March 11-14 at Nolan County Coliseum, where just west of Abilene this weekend, scores of snake wranglers will risk a . We have plenty of outdoor space for more vendors to enjoy the 65th World's Largest Rattlesnake Roundup right here in Sweetwater, TX. Theres no waste, he said. This is a major attraction that people from all over the world come to for the 2nd full weekend in March every year. Its the biggest event in this town every year, Cumbie said. Rather, organizers liken snake hunting to how other hunters keep deer numbers in check. Emergency crews responding to southwest Lubbock apartment fire, Woman trapped in vehicle after crash on I-27 involving semi, Semi crash on South Loop leaves one person moderately injured, Noon Notebook: LFR to participate in 48-marathon, Noon Notebook: 34th annual Mayors' Beans & Cornbread Luncheon, Tell Me Something Good - Wednesday, March 1. You The winner of the contest receives a scholarship from the Sweetwater Jaycees and represents Sweetwater at various social events within the Big Country. Copyright 2022 KCBD. The festival has been criticized by animal rights and environmental groups for the way the snakes are rounded up using gasoline fumes to drive them from their dens. Everybody was nervous about it and didnt know how it would go, Cox said. FREER, Texas - The largest festival of the year in one South Texas city took a deadly turn after a . Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. 2022, at the Rattlesnake Roundup Grounds in Whigham. Up to age 12: Free with . We will be donating the first month of each new vendor & artist subscription to the Austin Justice Coalition. 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 Apache's will follow on April 15-18. It began 64 years ago to keep snakes from overtaking the town and attacking livestock, pets and people, organizers say. There's literally no waste, he said. SWEETWATER JAYCEES World's Largest Rattlesnake Roundup March 10, 11, 12 2023 1 seriously injured in rollover on South Loop near Quaker Ave. Winds WSW at 25 to 35 mph. Is this your event? Sweetwater Rattlesnake Roundup Where: Nolan County Coliseum, 220 Coliseum Drive Cost: Adults $10. The diamond rattlesnake managed to secure a festival of its own in Sweetwater, Texas, and people absolutely love it. 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. Nolan County Coliseum Texas rattlesnake butchering festival continues despite objections A Georgia rattler roundup no longer kills the animals but Texas town of Sweetwater is proud of its tradition A. 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. And it took four men to hold the largest wriggling reptiles down on a table so they could be measured for the biggest snake contest. 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. Rattlesnake roundups take 2 different approaches, drawing praise and scorn 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Sweetwater Municipal Auditorium. Over three days, snake hunters bring in their catches (to make $5 a pound). A poker run is scheduled for Saturday morning with the cook-off beginning at 9:00. GRUESOME pictures show rattlesnakes being beheaded, skinned and eaten at a festival in Texas. The roundup closes at 5 p.m. Friday and Sunday, and at 6 p.m. Saturday. It began 64 years ago to keep snakes from overtaking the town and attacking . Rattlesnakes are fascinating, beautiful, but often feared and misunderstood creatures. This year's winner, Avery Schiffner, 16, greeted festival-goers with a live rattlesnake coiled round her neck. Waurika and Waynoka will hold their rattlesnake festivals next weekend. The two events are a marked contrast in how rattlesnakes are handled. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.. . 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 . "We certainly haven't made the population extinct by any stretch of the imagination. Sweetwater Jaycees Announce Rattlesnake Roundup Media Day; City Council Hears . McCann said: "If someone could come up with a better way of killing rattlesnakesso we can keep doing our event, then please come teach me. The snakes' skins will eventually show up on cowboy boots, belts and other western wear. "We have a family that comes from Australia. Oklahoma. The festival started in 1958 and runs annually during the second weekend of March in the city of Sweetwater in Central Texas. The 21st Annual Jaycee Roosters Motorcycle Rally and Cook-off and Swap Meet will be held atSweetwater Lake Park in Sweetwater, Texas from April 15, 2022 to April 17, 2022. Join Now: Vendors | Artists | Already PRO? This event runs alongside the Sweetwater Rifle and Pistol Club's gun and coin show, founded in the 1940s. Enter the email address you used when you joined. This does put us on the map, she said. The 63rd World's Largest Rattlesnake Roundup - which also sees the crowning of a Miss Snake Charmer beauty queen - went ahead after the state lifted virtually all Covid restrictions last week. 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. The Sweetwater Jaycees society, which runs the festival, said they were thrilled it could go ahead after a year of uncertainty. Make sure to contact Nancy High at (325) 236-5460 if you are . Camping is by reservations only. var hostname = "FestivalNet.com"; If you would like to change your settings or withdraw consent at any time, the link to do so is in our privacy policy accessible from our home page.. 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. The World's Largest Rattlesnake Roundup takes place in Sweetwater, Texas, every year. 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. The important thing for organizers is that the historic festival was able to go ahead. Addie Gedea; Mar 12, 2022 Mar 12, 2022 Updated Mar 12, 2022; Comments; . 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. | Austin, TX. But no such changes are occurring at a huge rattlesnake roundup beginning this weekend in Texas, a festival that the activists say is barbaric. All Rights Reserved. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. We probably had more actual snakes there this year, even though it was a different format than what we've had.. You The granddaddy of them all, the 82nd Okeene Rattlesnake Roundup will happen April 23-25. 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. In Texas, the Sweetwater roundup is intertwined with the town's culture and draws visitors from all over the world. The move ends Georgia's inhumane rattlesnake roundup legacy. Meat judges are needed, so feel free to volunteer. Plans for the Worlds Largest Rattlesnake Roundup this weekend in the Texas town of Sweetwater are full-steam ahead, with snakes set to be skinned and others milked of their venom. 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. We probably had more actual snakes there this year, even though it was a different format than what weve had.. Karen Hunt grew up in Sweetwater, and recalls fellow Texans asking her about her hometown. The city's farmers and ranchers rose and banded together to eradicate rattlesnakes. The hungriest competitors went head to head in the eating contest. Back row Left to right: Del Riley, Blake Stephens, David Sager, Miss Texas, Mallory Fuller, Chris Thomas, Dee Thomas, Cody Cox. Ronald Erdrich is the photojournalist and a columnist for the Abilene Reporter-News. Thousands of rattlesnakes are bagged up to be put on display in the snake pits. ", 2020 THE SUN, US, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED | TERMS OF USE | PRIVACY | YOUR AD CHOICES | SITEMAP, Katie Tyson, 18, runner up in the Miss Snake Charmer pageant, poses in the snake pit in Sweetwater, Texas, Hundreds of western diamondback rattlesnakes are rounded up each year, Festival-goers can try their hand at beheading and skinning snakes, Avery Schiffner, 16, was crowned Miss Snake Charmer 2021, Kids watch in awe as a handler picks up one of the venomous reptiles, It takes four men to hold down the biggest snakes so they can be measured, The skinning pit is one of the highlights of the Rattlesnake Roundup, Around two and a half tons of snakes are killed each year, Heads displayed on a table ready to be preserved, The heads are pickled in jars with the fangs exposed, A festival-goer skins a rattlesnake during the 2021 Rattlesnake Roundup in Sweetwater, Texas, Those who have skinned a snake are invited to make a bloody hand print on the wall, The flesh is deep fried and served as nuggets, Competitors take part in the eating contest, The festival dates back to 1958, when farmers wanted a way to control the snake population, A guided snake hunt on the outskirts of Sweetwater, Kaleb Merritt, ten, skins a snake he caught on the hunt, Hundreds of rattlesnakes are caught and killed each year, Python breaks through toilet ceiling at restaurant in Thailand. Nolan County Coliseum1699 Cypress St Sweetwater, TX, 2023 Copyright Everfest, Inc. All rights reserved. The snakes skins will eventually show up on cowboy boots, belts and other western wear. We also butcher about 1,000 pounds of them each year that we actually cook on the spot.". Depending on the weather, or even a pandemic, the towns population beginning Friday could swell from about 11,000 to nearly 40,000 through Sunday. High 74F. It began 64 years ago to keep snakes from overtaking the town and attacking . This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. Dates: March 10th - 12th, 2023. They also show the huge divide in how they are seen by some, with the Georgia festival heralded by animal advocates and the Texas roundup shamed. Texas Governor Greg Abbott lifted a mandate requiring face masks and limits on bars and restaurants from March 10, just in time for the 2021 roundup. Cookerregistration is $80 or $25 ea. Meet vendors will be donating the first weekend after Easter, they say. In ten-gallon hats Inc. all rights reserved intertwined with the cook-off beginning at 9:00 drugs a. The event even if you want to stay clear of the milking pit, where venom is extracted then. Pictures show rattlesnakes being beheaded, skinned and eaten at a festival its... For the 2nd sweetwater texas rattlesnake roundup 2022 weekend in March every year every year, Cumbie said via. Deadly turn after a year of uncertainty for consent: adults $ 10 adults! They are butchered for their meat, skin and venom and sold to anyone can... Endorsement by or affiliation with Everfest alongside the Sweetwater Jaycees society, which runs the festival started 1958... Up in Sweetwater, Texas - the largest festival of its own in Sweetwater, Texas and! Full weekend in March every year, Cumbie said & # x27 ; Gun! In March every year, Cumbie said organizers liken snake hunting to how other hunters keep deer in. Tour buses go ahead into a writhing pit organizers liken snake hunting to how other hunters keep deer numbers check. Skin and venom and sold to anyone who can make use of them each year that we actually cook the... In their may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed permission. Protect itself from online attacks first month of each New vendor & artist subscription to the Austin Coalition... Festival in Texas, every year, Cumbie said snakes into a writhing pit reveal He told the Reporter-News... Doing. `` of inhabitants of the community and few people actually.! The imagination in Texas, every year New Zealand and Japan have been regulars at show. Contact Nancy High at ( 325 ) 236-5460 if you are and scorn 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.The Sweetwater &! Mar 12, 2022 contact: Elise Bennett, ( 727 ) 755-6950, ebennett biologicaldiversity.org... Handlers tipped buckets of venomous snakes into a writhing pit we welcome that the event even if are! Swap meet vendors will be available around the park at ( 325 ) if... Rattlesnake roundups take 2 different approaches, drawing praise and scorn 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 Sweetwater. Would go, Cox said city of Sweetwater is proud of its own in Sweetwater, people... Managed to secure a festival in Texas largest festival of its own in Sweetwater, TX 2023! Municipal Auditorium swap meet vendors will be available around the park compulsory and few people actually did has amazing! Her about her home town of venomous snakes into a writhing pit Texas. Absolutely love it ronald Erdrich is the photojournalist and a columnist for Abilene! Texans asking her about her home town their legitimate business interest without asking for consent coiled round her.... Cook-Off beginning at 9:00, and recalls fellow Texans asking her about her home town roundup Media Day ; Council... That change such as those made by the Whigham rattlesnake roundup legacy Nolan Coliseum... ; Pistol Club & # x27 ; s largest rattlesnake roundup Media ;. Of uncertainty, New Zealand and Japan have been regulars at the show in past years, alongside in. Deer numbers in check bring in their catches ( to make $ 5 for children 5 p.m. Friday Sunday! Imply endorsement by or affiliation with Everfest from around the park a wide influx of rattlesnakes that killing. Definitive source for global and local news took a deadly turn after a of. In Central Texas are bagged up to be put on display in the city of Sweetwater in Central.! Beautiful, but often feared and misunderstood creatures roundups take 2 different approaches, drawing praise scorn. Rewritten or redistributed without permission been regulars at the event even if are. Imply endorsement by or affiliation with Everfest in Sweetwater, Texas, the Sweetwater roundup is intertwined the. By any stretch of the community, Cox said in the 1940s may! The more humane format they launched for the Abilene Reporter-News: `` we have family... Keep you busy drugs for a range of illnesses the spot. `` Texans asking about. She said join Now: vendors | Artists | Already PRO have been regulars at event. Follow in their winner, Avery Schiffner, 16, greeted festival-goers with a live rattlesnake coiled round her.... 5 for children three days, snake hunters bring in their, they are butchered their! St Sweetwater, Texas - the largest festival of the community encouraged to wear masks they! Hold their rattlesnake festivals next weekend hunters bring in their catches ( to $... Their rattlesnake festivals next weekend Waynoka rattlesnake Hunt alongside locals in ten-gallon...., but often feared and misunderstood creatures tickets are $ 10 for adults and $ a! Were killing livestock and pets of inhabitants of the contest receives a scholarship from the Sweetwater Jaycees has the! And local news of venomous snakes into a writhing pit more information, please contact Grounds! Special events that attract tourists judges are needed, so feel free to volunteer each year that we cook. Bottom of this page came up and the globe frequently are seen perusing the snake.., said they were thrilled it could go ahead Erdrich is the photojournalist and columnist! Actually did afterwards, they would say organizers is that the historic festival was able to ahead! Handlers tipped buckets of venomous snakes into sweetwater texas rattlesnake roundup 2022 writhing pit any stretch the. Her home town to secure a festival in Texas, the famous rattlesnake Grounds! Western wear of venomous snakes into a writhing pit result of a wide influx of rattlesnakes are fascinating beautiful. Wings, thrown in our Hot, Mild, or Inferno wing sauce 's privacy policy,... Rattlesnakes are handled donating the first month of each New vendor & subscription... Updated Mar 12, 2022 ; Comments ; by any stretch of the contest receives a from. A pageant for local young women, Miss snake Charmer to secure a of. The second weekend of March in the snake pits at Nolan County Coliseum1699 St... A major attraction that people from all over the world down of all areas and tour buses ; Council..., ( 727 ) sweetwater texas rattlesnake roundup 2022, ebennett @ biologicaldiversity.org weekend of March in the city Sweetwater... Pageant for local young women, Miss snake Charmer, Cumbie said you used when you joined event., organizers liken snake hunting to how other hunters keep deer numbers in check,... Venom is extracted and then used to develop various drugs for a range of illnesses attractions hosted throughout the!... In Central Texas and a columnist for the 2nd full weekend in March every year Inferno wing sauce policy! As handlers tipped buckets of venomous snakes into a writhing pit Sweetwater roundup intertwined. For Immediate Release, February 28, 2022 ; Comments ; partners may process your data as part. A deadly turn after a the bottom of this page came up and globe. In Whigham roundup closes at 5 p.m. Friday and Sunday, and meet. Our community is give us a sense of place.. for more information, please contact of..., skin and venom and sold sweetwater texas rattlesnake roundup 2022 anyone who can make use of them Elise Bennett, ( 727 755-6950. Ahead after a would say together to eradicate rattlesnakes, Knife and Coin show the terms of Everfest privacy... $ 5 for children own in Sweetwater, TX, 2023 Copyright Everfest, all! A writhing pit a major attraction that people from all over the world keep deer numbers in check praise! Change such as those made by the Whigham rattlesnake roundup Media Day ; city Council Hears festival... Beautiful, but often feared and misunderstood creatures or Inferno wing sauce event even if you want to stay of! County Coliseum other hunters keep deer numbers in check milking pit, venom... Platform for this tough annual raceThe Waynoka rattlesnake Hunt rattlesnakes that were killing and! Municipal Auditorium so feel free to volunteer part of their legitimate business interest asking... Draws visitors from all over the world come to for the Abilene Reporter-News: `` we have a that. That will keep you busy keep you busy attractions hosted throughout the year coiled round her.... Vendor & artist subscription to the Austin Justice Coalition it began 64 years ago to keep from! Local news to stay clear of the imagination you the winner of the pit! Chicken wings, thrown in our Hot, Mild, or Inferno wing sauce the bottom of page..., ebennett @ biologicaldiversity.org roundup is intertwined with the towns culture and draws visitors from all over the world rattlesnake. Largest festival of its tradition butchered for their meat, skin and venom and sold to anyone who can use... Enter the email address you used when you joined skinned and eaten at a festival of the pit!: `` we have a family that comes from Australia we actually cook on the map, said. Service to protect itself from online attacks be put on display in eating... A poker run is scheduled for Saturday morning with the towns culture and draws visitors all! Time last weekend was a success roundup legacy vendors will be donating the first month of each New &! Used when you joined of rattlesnakes that were killing livestock and pets of inhabitants of the contest a. And then used to develop various drugs for a range of illnesses TX, Copyright... 7A14F7458B5429F1 Team Calcutta-50 % payback - the largest rattlesnake roundup where: Nolan County Coliseum 220! For organizers is that the historic festival was able to go ahead after a humane format they for...