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 winner of the contest receives a scholarship from the Sweetwater Jaycees and represents Sweetwater at various social events within the Big Country. The two events are a marked contrast in how rattlesnakes are handled. The 64th Sweetwater Jaycees World's Largest Annual Rattlesnake Roundup is this weekend. Your IP: Rattles are used for souvenirs, as are the heads, Cumbie said. 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. 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. Manage Settings And teenage girls vied to be crowned Miss Snake Charmer. In Georgia, organizers say the more humane format they launched for the first time last weekend was a success. Theres even a pageant for local young women, Miss Snake Charmer. 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 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. 810 E Broadway P.O. Thousands of people,. But no such changes are occurring at a huge rattlesnake roundup beginning this weekend in Texas, a festival that the activists say is barbaric. Copyright 2023 KSAT.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. Over three days, snake hunters bring in their catches (to make $5 a pound). The granddaddy of them all, the 82nd Okeene Rattlesnake Roundup will happen April 23-25. Front Row L to R: Sylvia Martinez of Snyder HS, Jasimen Courtney of Snyder HS Miss Snake Charmer 2022 Macy Newberry of Sweetwater HS, . 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. Ronald Erdrich is the photojournalist and a columnist for the Abilene Reporter-News. Rattles are used for souvenirs, as are the heads, Cumbie said. Yes, were the rattlesnake town, they would say. Its very much part of our culture.. The dunes of the Little Sahara in Little Sahara State Park are the perfect place to ride ATVs. All rights reserved. It began 64 years ago to keep snakes from overtaking the town and attacking . Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. You 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. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. SWEETWATER JAYCEES World's Largest Rattlesnake Roundup March 10, 11, 12 2023 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. Camping is by reservations only. For Immediate Release, February 28, 2022 Contact: Elise Bennett, (727) 755-6950, ebennett@biologicaldiversity.org . All Rights Reserved. var username = "info"; Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. They are also the victims of the largest public slaughter of native wildlife in the United States. Sweetwater Jaycees Announce Rattlesnake Roundup Media Day; Ridin . By accessing our site, you agree to the terms of Everfest's privacy policy. Sweetwater, Rattlesnakes are symbols of freedom and independence; teaching that snakes are scary and useless minimizes their significance in our cultural and ecological heritage.. But no such changes are occurring at a huge rattlesnake roundup beginning this weekend in Texas, a festival that the activists say is barbaric. In Texas, the Sweetwater roundup is intertwined with the towns culture and draws visitors from all over the world. 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. 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. Please include what you were doing when this page came up and the Cloudflare Ray ID found at the bottom of this page. (Brisket, Pork Spare Ribs, Chicken, Chili). 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 . 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. The action you just performed triggered the security solution. Mar 7, 2022 / . Winds W at 20 to 30 mph. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has expressed concerns about how it couldimpact other species that share their habitat. Rather, organizers liken snake hunting to how other hunters keep deer numbers in check. Our feature-length documentary, Rounding Up Sweetwater, will debunk both the pseudo-science used to justify roundups as well as negative . Rather, organizers liken snake hunting to how other hunters keep deer numbers in check. Cumbie is the chairman of the milking pit, where venom is extracted and then used to develop various drugs for a range of illnesses. For Sweetwater, the festival brings in a reported $8.3 million for the town. Everybody was nervous about it and didnt know how it would go, Cox added. In addition to Okeene, four other western Oklahoma towns will revive their rattlesnake hunts and festivals this month after being canceled last year. What it does for our community is give us a sense of place.. Rattlesnake Bites: $10 We flash freeze the meat from our Rattlesnake Roundup, season, batter, and deep fry it to a golden brown. 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 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 . 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. 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. Sweetwater Municipal Auditorium. I'd love to have that discussion. Visitors and news crews from around the nation and the globe frequently are seen perusing the snake pits at Nolan County Coliseum. The roundup closes at 5 p.m. Friday and Sunday, and at 6 p.m. Saturday. Then came perfect weather for the one-day Georgia show, and there were no complaints whatsoever," he said. 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. 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. With two historical museums, the famous rattlesnake roundup, and much more, Sweetwater has fun attractions that will keep you busy! We probably had more actual snakes there this year, even though it was a different format than what weve had.. Must be an Everfest PRO member to view contact info. This is the start of their holiday weekend. 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. This does put us on the map, she said. It arose as a result of a wide influx of rattlesnakes that were killing livestock and pets of inhabitants of the community. He told the Abilene Reporter-News: "We welcome that. of chicken wings, thrown in our Hot, Mild, or Inferno wing sauce. 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. 2023 www.reporternews.com. FestivalNet is not the event & does not book the participants; we provide contact info to save you time in event research. Festival information may not be up to date due to COVID-19, but you can view our list of cancellations here. 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 Rounding Up Sweetwater started out as a short student film project to capture the worlds largest rattlesnake roundup in Sweetwater, Texas. Depending on the weather, or even a pandemic, the town's population. Served with ranch or blue cheese and celery. The Hunt custom dates back to the 1940s when local farmers suffered from snakes attacking their livestock. 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.. Sweetwater Jaycees Announce Rattlesnake Roundup Media Day; City Council Hears . What it does for our community is give us a sense of place.. 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. . The town of 11,000 is expected to swell to about 30,000 during the festival, which runs from Friday through Sunday, said Dennis Cumbie, one of the organizers. FILE -Sweetwater Jaycees clean and skinned rattlesnakes during 57th. We probably had more actual snakes there this year, even though it was a different format than what we've had.. Tornado activity: Sweetwater-area historical tornado activity is near Texas state average.It is 28% greater than the overall U.S. average.. On 4/19/1986, a category F3 (max. 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. 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. NOLAN COUNTY COLISEUM Sweetwater, TX Terry Locklar General Manager - Marketing Director 220 Coliseum Drive. Rattlesnake roundups take 2 different approaches, drawing praise and scorn. Then came perfect weather for the one-day Georgia show, and there were no complaints whatsoever, he said. 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. Sweetwater, Texas 79556 325-235-3484 - Office nolancountycoliseum@gmail.com Everybody was nervous about it and didn't know how it would go," Cox said. We want everybody to come and see us and see what we're doing.". Copyright 2022 KCBD. Hunters gather the snakes theres a contest for those capturing the largest ones and they are brought to the Nolan county coliseum, where multiple parts of the snakes are harvested, Cumbie said. In 2021, the Sweetwater Roundup caught 3,682 pounds of rattlesnakes. FREER, Texas - The largest festival of the year in one South Texas city took a deadly turn after a . In Texas, the Sweetwater roundup is intertwined with the town's culture and draws visitors from all over the world. Plans for the Worlds 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 World's Largest Rattlesnake Roundup takes place in Sweetwater, Texas, every year. The two events are a marked contrast in how rattlesnakes are handled. 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. Everybody was nervous about it and didnt know how it would go, Cox said. Roundup visitors will see educational programs about the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake common to West Texas, as well as watching handlers milk the snakes of their venom. Publication of festival information does not imply endorsement by or affiliation with Everfest. There was also a guided hunt on the outskirts of town, a carnival parade and a gun show. Nolan County Coliseum1699 Cypress St Sweetwater, TX, 2023 Copyright Everfest, Inc. All rights reserved. A poker run is scheduled for Saturday morning with the cook-off beginning at 9:00. Animal rights activists praised an annual rattlesnake roundup in south Georgia that recently changed the format of this months event to celebrate living snakes without skinning and butchering them. What it does for our community is give us a sense of place.. Karen Hunt grew up in Sweetwater, and recalls fellow Texans asking her about her hometown. 70% payback. There will be live music on Fri. and Sat. Sweetwater Jaycees Rattlesnake Round Up 2023 Nolan County Colisuem 220 Coliseum Drive, Sweetwater, TX Sat 11 March 11 Downtown Lions Club Car Show Thu 23 March 23 - March 25 Ranger College Rodeo at Nolan County Coliseum Nolan County Colisuem 220 Coliseum Drive, Sweetwater, TX Fri 24 March 24 - March 26 Rattlesnake Gravel Grind $5 Jackpot beans and $10 Jalapeno Poppers. 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.. 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. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.. . Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. 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. 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 . var linktext = username + "@" + hostname; If it's the second weekend in March, that means it's time for the World's Largest Rattlesnake Roundup in Sweetwater. The hungriest competitors went head to head in the eating contest. Enter the email address you used when you joined. Join Now: Vendors | Artists | Already PRO? 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. 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. 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.. Theres literally no waste, he said. Active/retired military, $5 (with valid military ID); Ages 5-12, $5; 4 and under, free.. But there is much more to the story that we need to tell. 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. 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. After seeing firsthand what goes on in Sweetwater every year, we know there is a better way. Sweetwater, TX (79556) Today. Go here to update it. Thousands of rattlesnakes are bagged up to be put on display in the snake pits. Check out the schedule of events below: Thursday March 10 4:30 Rattlesnake Parade Windy with lots of sunshine. Adults: $5. Nolan County Coliseum The diamond rattlesnake managed to secure a festival of its own in Sweetwater, Texas, and people absolutely love it. 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. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. Cookerregistration is $80 or $25 ea. Meat judges are needed, so feel free to volunteer. Rattlesnake Roundup Parade March 10, 2022. Historically, the first rattlesnake Roundup kicked off in 1958, at Sweetwater, Texas, U.S. 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.The Sweetwater Rifle & Pistol Club Gun, Knife and Coin Show. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. 79556. The Sweetwater Jaycees society, which runs the festival, said they were thrilled it could go ahead after a year of uncertainty. We will be donating the first month of each new vendor & artist subscription to the Austin Justice Coalition. The 64th Annual World's Largest Rattlesnake Round-Up will take place on March 11, 12, 13 2022 at The Nolan County Coliseum, . You All rights reserved. Click to reveal 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. Then came perfect weather for the one-day Georgia show, and there were no complaints whatsoever, he said. 2012 letter of praise for switching the Claxton Rattlesnake Roundup to a . //-->, Copyright FestivalNet 2022. 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. (Courtney Sacco/Odessa American via AP, File), Connect with the definitive source for global and local news. Gates open at noon Friday and cost is $5 per person/per day. World's Largest Rattlesnake Round-up in Sweetwater, Texas - YouTube 0:00 / 16:54 World's Largest Rattlesnake Round-up in Sweetwater, Texas 14,062 views Mar 18, 2021 161 Dislike. 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. 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. If its the second weekend in March, that means its time for the Worlds Largest Rattlesnake Roundup in Sweetwater. 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 snakes skins will eventually show up on cowboy boots, belts and other western wear. A bike show, bike games, and raffles, will happen later on the evening following the awards ceremony. Guided Snake Hunt - Saturday Saturday, March 12th For those wishing to see the rattlesnake in its natural habitat, we offer guided hunts. They are also the victims of the largest public slaughter of native wildlife in the United States. 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.. All rights reserved. Gates open at noon Friday and cost is $5 per person/per day. In Texas, the Sweetwater roundup is intertwined with the towns culture and draws visitors from all over the world. "We were the biggest event going on in the country, which was rather scary when you think about it, before everything kind of shut down," said Rob McCann, public relations director for the Sweetwater Jaycees. It began 64 years ago to keep snakes from overtaking the town and attacking livestock, pets and people, organizers say. The two events are a marked contrast in how rattlesnakes are handled. Rounding Up Sweetwater. Yes, were the rattlesnake town, they would say. 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. Up to age 12: Free with . 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. Nolan County Coliseum|1699 Cypress St, Sweetwater, TX | Map. Sweetwater Rattlesnake Roundup Where: Nolan County Coliseum, 220 Coliseum Drive Cost: Adults $10. Is this your event? Continue with Recommended Cookies. We probably had more actual snakes there this year, even though it was a different format than what weve had.. It's very much part of our culture.". Karen Hunt grew up in Sweetwater, and recalls fellow Texans asking her about her hometown. TX Rattlesnakes are fascinating, beautiful, but often feared and misunderstood creatures. Afterwards, they are butchered for their meat, skin and venom and sold to anyone who can make use of them. Center for Biological Diversity: Largest Remaining Roundup in Sweetwater, Texas, Should Follow Suit, Conservationists Say. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. Its the biggest event in this town every year, Cumbie said. This does put us on the map, she said. Extra measures included hand sanitizer and regular wiping down of all areas and tour buses. There's literally no waste, he said. In Georgia, organizers say the more humane format they launched for the first time last weekend was a success. . Hes the chairman of the milking pit, where venom is extracted and then used to develop various drugs for a range of illnesses. Each spring, the small city of Sweetwater, Texas, hosts what it bills as the world's largest rattlesnake roundup. "We certainly haven't made the population extinct by any stretch of the imagination. Theres no waste, he said. Waurika and Waynoka will hold their rattlesnake festivals next weekend. Make sure to contact Nancy High at (325) 236-5460 if you are . In 2022 the Whigham Community Club announced that it will no longer capture snakes and will instead feature displays and educational programming about the diamondback rattlesnake and other native wildlife. 1 seriously injured in rollover on South Loop near Quaker Ave. 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.. The Sweetwater Rifle & Pistol Club Gun, Knife and Coin Show Adults: $5 Up to age 12: Free with. 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. Doors open Friday at 8 a.m., cost is $10 for adults, $5 for active/retired military and $5 for children ages 5-12, with those 4 and under free. Join Festivalnet.com now to unlock additional details,