Sweetwater, TX (79556) Today. 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. Service to humanity, is the best work of life. The 64th Sweetwater Jaycees World's Largest Annual Rattlesnake Roundup is this weekend. 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. In addition to Okeene, four other western Oklahoma towns will revive their rattlesnake hunts and festivals this month after being canceled last year. "We have a family that comes from Australia. 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. It's the biggest event in this town every year," Cumbie said. Winds could occasionally gust over 50 mph.. . There will be live music on Fri. and Sat. 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. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. Several vendors, and swap meet vendors will be available around the park. The Hunt custom dates back to the 1940s when local farmers suffered from snakes attacking their livestock. It began 64 years ago to keep snakes from overtaking the town and attacking . The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. A mix of light freezing rain and sleet this morning.then cloudy late. WOODSTOCK, Ga. (AP) 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. NOLAN COUNTY COLISEUM Sweetwater, TX Terry Locklar General Manager - Marketing Director 220 Coliseum Drive. 79556. In Texas, the Sweetwater roundup is intertwined with the towns culture and draws visitors from all over the world. 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. Adults: $5. It arose as a result of a wide influx of rattlesnakes that were killing livestock and pets of inhabitants of the community. 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. 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.". "That's my favorite part because they've got such neat stories to tell," McCann said. I'd love to have that discussion. Cloudflare Ray ID: 7a14f7458b5429f1 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. var hostname = "FestivalNet.com"; Rather, organizers liken snake hunting to how other hunters keep deer numbers in check. The winner of the contest receives a scholarship from the Sweetwater Jaycees and represents Sweetwater at various social events within the Big Country. 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. Full hindquarter, seasoned and grilled. We and our partners use data for Personalised ads and content, ad and content measurement, audience insights and product development. 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. 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. of chicken wings, thrown in our Hot, Mild, or Inferno wing sauce. But no such changes are occurring at a huge rattlesnake roundup beginning this weekend in Texas, a festival that the activists say is barbaric. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. 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. 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. We probably had more actual snakes there this year, even though it was a different format than what we've had.. The granddaddy of them all, the 82nd Okeene Rattlesnake Roundup will happen April 23-25. Meat judges are needed, so feel free to volunteer. Sweetwater has some amazing attractions hosted throughout the year! Yes, were the rattlesnake town, they would say. And teenage girls vied to be crowned Miss Snake Charmer. 70% payback. In Georgia, organizers say the more humane format they launched for the first time last weekend was a success. Begun in 1958 as a means for controlling the rattlesnake population in the area, the roundup has become a major annual driver for the Sweetwater economy. Ronald Erdrich is the photojournalist and a columnist for the Abilene Reporter-News. var username = "info"; But perhaps most importantly, we will show theres a better way, that it is possible to stop slaughtering snakes without losing their festivals or the income they generate. Every March, what's billed as the World's Largest Rattlesnake Roundup brings an estimated 25,000 visitors to Sweetwater,. Historically, the first rattlesnake Roundup kicked off in 1958, at Sweetwater, Texas, U.S. Karen Hunt grew up in Sweetwater, and recalls fellow Texans asking her about her hometown. 810 E Broadway P.O. 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. Sweetwater Jaycees Announce Rattlesnake Roundup Media Day; City Council Hears . TX 209.239.116.57 SWEETWATER JAYCEES World's Largest Rattlesnake Roundup March 10, 11, 12 2023 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 . Rattlesnake Roundup Parade March 10, 2022. 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. There was also a guided hunt on the outskirts of town, a carnival parade and a gun show. 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.. 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. The festival started in 1958 and runs annually during the second weekend of March in the city of Sweetwater in Central Texas. Besides renewables, Sweetwater is also known for hosting special events that attract tourists. It began 64 years ago to keep snakes from overtaking the town and attacking livestock, pets and people, organizers say. Free patch & pin with pre-registration by 4-04-2020. Thousands of people,. All Rights Reserved. In Georgia, organizers say the more humane format they launched for the first time last weekend was a success. Publication of festival information does not imply endorsement by or affiliation with Everfest. Copyright 2023 KSAT.com is managed by Graham Digital and published by Graham Media Group, a division of Graham Holdings. With two historical museums, the famous rattlesnake roundup, and much more, Sweetwater has fun attractions that will keep you busy! Active/retired military, $5 (with valid military ID); Ages 5-12, $5; 4 and under, free.. Afterwards, they are butchered for their meat, skin and venom and sold to anyone who can make use of them. We probably had more actual snakes there this year, even though it was a different format than what weve had.. Its very much part of our culture.. This is the start of their holiday weekend. We and our partners use cookies to Store and/or access information on a device. Eugene De Leon Sr. died Saturday night from his injury at Rattlesnake Roundup in Freer. Sweetwater, Texas 79556 325-235-3484 - Office nolancountycoliseum@gmail.com It began 64 years ago to keep snakes from overtaking the town and attacking . 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. Camping is by reservations only. Back row Left to right: Del Riley, Blake Stephens, David Sager, Miss Texas, Mallory Fuller, Chris Thomas, Dee Thomas, Cody Cox. 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. Sweetwater Rattlesnake Roundup Where: Nolan County Coliseum, 220 Coliseum Drive Cost: Adults $10. . There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. | Austin, TX. Check out the schedule of events below: Thursday March 10 Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children. 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. Cookerregistration is $80 or $25 ea. This is a major attraction that people from all over the world come to for the 2nd full weekend in March every year. Windy with partly cloudy skies. Each spring, the small city of Sweetwater, Texas, hosts what it bills as the world's largest rattlesnake roundup. Wing Dings: $8 1 lb. Sweetwater Municipal Auditorium. Activists hope that change such as those made by the Whigham Rattlesnake Roundup will inspire others to follow in their. 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. In Texas, the Sweetwater roundup is intertwined with the towns culture and draws visitors from all over the world. 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. What it does for our community is give us a sense of place.. Everybody was nervous about it and didnt know how it would go, Cox said. All rights reserved. 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. FNdocumentWrite("") Rattlesnake roundups take 2 different approaches, drawing praise and scorn 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. 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. 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Karen Hunt grew up in Sweetwater, and recalls fellow Texans asking her about her hometown. 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 Restrooms and free warm showers are available. To view the purposes they believe they have legitimate interest for, or to object to this data processing use the vendor list link below. 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 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. The Sweetwater Jaycees society, which runs the festival, said they were thrilled it could go ahead after a year of uncertainty. 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. It began 64 years ago to keep snakes from overtaking the town and attacking livestock, pets and people, organizers say. Guided Snake Hunt - Saturday Saturday, March 12th For those wishing to see the rattlesnake in its natural habitat, we offer guided hunts. Go here to update it. We probably had more actual snakes there this year, even though it was a different format than what weve had.. The diamond rattlesnake managed to secure a festival of its own in Sweetwater, Texas, and people absolutely love it. Yes, were the rattlesnake town, they would say. 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 Up to age 12: Free with . FILE -Sweetwater Jaycees clean and skinned rattlesnakes during 57th. Enter the email address you used when you joined. What is advertised as the "World's Largest Rattlesnake Roundup" draws about 25,000 visitors annually to the town of Sweetwater, a community in Texas made up of a little over 10,000 people. 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. 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. 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. 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. Rattles are used for souvenirs, as are the heads, Cumbie said. Sweetwater, TX (79556) Today. 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. Since 1958, the Sweetwater Jaycees has hosted the largest rattlesnake roundup in the world. 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. We learn how you can have fun at the event even if you want to stay clear of the snakes. Cumbie is the chairman of the milking pit, where venom is extracted and then used to develop various drugs for a range of illnesses. Make sure to contact Nancy High at (325) 236-5460 if you are . For Immediate Release, February 28, 2022 Contact: Elise Bennett, (727) 755-6950, ebennett@biologicaldiversity.org . 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