If you appreciate locally driven news, you can support local journalists with a digital subscription to ReporterNews.com. . In Georgia, organizers say the more humane format they launched for the first time last weekend was a success. 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. A mix of light freezing rain and sleet this morning.then cloudy late. This does put us on the map, she said. Your User ID or Password reset link will be sent to you. If you need help with the Public File, call 210-351-1241. Every March, what's billed as the World's Largest Rattlesnake Roundup brings an estimated 25,000 visitors to Sweetwater,. Sweetwater Municipal Auditorium. Yes, were the rattlesnake town, they would say. SWEETWATER JAYCEES World's Largest Rattlesnake Roundup March 10, 11, 12 2023 We probably had more actual snakes there this year, even though it was a different format than what we've had.. Its the biggest event in this town every year, Cumbie said. It began 64 years ago to keep snakes from overtaking the town and attacking . Rather, organizers liken snake hunting to how other hunters keep deer numbers in check. "That's my favorite part because they've got such neat stories to tell," McCann said. Since 1958, the Sweetwater Jaycees has hosted the largest rattlesnake roundup in the world. Team Calcutta-50% payback. Box 1148 Sweetwater, Texas 79556; 325-235-5488; 800-658-6757; Stay In Touch . Your IP: We learn how you can have fun at the event even if you want to stay clear of the snakes. Sweetwater, TX (79556) Today. For Sweetwater, the festival brings in a reported $8.3 million for the town. The two events are a marked contrast in how rattlesnakes are handled. It began 64 years ago to keep snakes from overtaking the town and attacking livestock, pets and people, organizers say. marketplace | privacypolicy | contactus, Sweetwater Jaycees World's Largest Rattlesnake Round Up, Thu 4:30pm9pm, Fri 8am5pm, Sat 8am6pm, Sun 8am5pm, 1699 Cypress Street, Sweetwater, TX 79556. It's the biggest event in this town every year," Cumbie said. Your California Privacy Rights / Privacy Policy. Its the biggest event in this town every year, Cumbie 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, . But no such changes are occurring at a huge rattlesnake roundup beginning this weekend in Texas, a festival that the activists say is barbaric. Our feature-length documentary, Rounding Up Sweetwater, will debunk both the pseudo-science used to justify roundups as well as negative . Served with ranch or blue cheese and celery. What it does for our community is give us a sense of place.. The two events are a marked contrast in how rattlesnakes are handled. The roundup closes at 5 p.m. Friday and Sunday, and at 6 p.m. Saturday. Continue with Recommended Cookies. They come here every single year.". Some of our partners may process your data as a part of their legitimate business interest without asking for consent. Several vendors, and swap meet vendors will be available around the park. Camping is by reservations only. After seeing firsthand what goes on in Sweetwater every year, we know there is a better way. Winds W at 20 to 30 mph. We also butcher about 1,000 pounds of them each year that we actually cook on the spot.". Rattlesnakes are fascinating, beautiful, but often feared and misunderstood creatures. The granddaddy of them all, the 82nd Okeene Rattlesnake Roundup will happen April 23-25. Everfest stands in solidarity with the Black community and supports the fight for justice and equality. But no such changes are occurring at a huge rattlesnake roundup beginning this weekend in Texas, a festival that the activists say is barbaric. | Austin, TX. All rights reserved. The consent submitted will only be used for data processing originating from this website. 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. This website uses cookies to provide our visitors with a great user experience. Sweetwater, TX (79556) Today. This is the start of their holiday weekend. Cumbie is the chairman of the milking pit, where venom is extracted and then used to develop various drugs for a range of illnesses. 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. The festival started in 1958 and runs annually during the second weekend of March in the city of Sweetwater in Central Texas. 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. 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. FestivalNet is not the event & does not book the participants; we provide contact info to save you time in event research. You We probably had more actual snakes there this year, even though it was a different format than what weve had.. 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. Join Now: Vendors | Artists | Already PRO? Afterwards, they are butchered for their meat, skin and venom and sold to anyone who can make use of them. With two historical museums, the famous rattlesnake roundup, and much more, Sweetwater has fun attractions that will keep you busy! Ronald Erdrich is the photojournalist and a columnist for the Abilene Reporter-News. All Rights Reserved. In Texas, the Sweetwater roundup is intertwined with the towns culture and draws visitors from all over the world. The diamond rattlesnake managed to secure a festival of its own in Sweetwater, Texas, and people absolutely love it. 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. Each spring, the small city of Sweetwater, Texas, hosts what it bills as the world's largest rattlesnake roundup. 2012 letter of praise for switching the Claxton Rattlesnake Roundup to a . 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. We probably had more actual snakes there this year, even though it was a different format than what weve had.. Make sure to contact Nancy High at (325) 236-5460 if you are . In Georgia, organizers say the more humane format they launched for the first time last weekend was a success. 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 Yes, were the rattlesnake town, they would say. Theres even a pageant for local young women, Miss Snake Charmer. 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. Cookerregistration is $80 or $25 ea. 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 snakes skins will eventually show up on cowboy boots, belts and other western wear. Winds could occasionally gust over 50 mph.. . The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has expressed concerns about how it couldimpact other species that share their habitat. A bike show, bike games, and raffles, will happen later on the evening following the awards ceremony. Sweetwater, Texas 79556 325-235-3484 - Office nolancountycoliseum@gmail.com Up to age 12: Free with . And teenage girls vied to be crowned Miss Snake Charmer. It began 64 years ago to keep snakes from overtaking the town and attacking livestock, pets and people, organizers say. Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. Visitors and news crews from around the nation and the globe frequently are seen perusing the snake pits at Nolan County Coliseum. Theres even a pageant for local young women, Miss Snake Charmer. He's the chairman of the milking pit, where venom is extracted and then used to develop various drugs for a range of illnesses. Rattlesnake roundups take 2 different approaches, drawing praise and scorn 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. In Texas, the Sweetwater roundup is intertwined with the town's culture and draws visitors from all over the world. Hes the chairman of the milking pit, where venom is extracted and then used to develop various drugs for a range of illnesses. They are also the victims of the largest public slaughter of native wildlife in the United States. The hungriest competitors went head to head in the eating contest. 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. 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. Rather, organizers liken snake hunting to how other hunters keep deer numbers in check. There was also a guided hunt on the outskirts of town, a carnival parade and a gun show. For Immediate Release, February 28, 2022 Contact: Elise Bennett, (727) 755-6950, ebennett@biologicaldiversity.org . 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. 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. 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. 209.239.116.57 Come join the fun and check it out. 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 . But no such changes are occurring at a huge rattlesnake roundup beginning this weekend in Texas, a festival that the activists say is barbaric. Wing Dings: $8 1 lb. Heads are pickled in jars complete with exposed fangs, while the flesh is chopped into nuggets and deep fried. Click to reveal The two events are a marked contrast in how rattlesnakes are handled. The snakes' skins will eventually show up on cowboy boots, belts and other western wear. Back row Left to right: Del Riley, Blake Stephens, David Sager, Miss Texas, Mallory Fuller, Chris Thomas, Dee Thomas, Cody Cox. 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+. Festival information may not be up to date due to COVID-19, but you can view our list of cancellations here. Get In Touch. This year's winner, Avery Schiffner, 16, greeted festival-goers with a live rattlesnake coiled round her neck. There's literally no waste, he said. TX Nolan County Coliseum|1699 Cypress St, Sweetwater, TX | Map. Go here to update it. 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. All rights reserved. Rattles are used for souvenirs, as are the heads, Cumbie said. There are several actions that could trigger this block including submitting a certain word or phrase, a SQL command or malformed data. 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.. 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. You can email the site owner to let them know you were blocked. 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 . Rounding Up Sweetwater. 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. 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. Nolan County Coliseum An example of data being processed may be a unique identifier stored in a cookie. Copyright 2022 KCBD. This website is using a security service to protect itself from online attacks. 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