March 6-March 9, 2008
Nolan County Coliseum
Sweetwater, Texas
Rattlesnake Facts
The Western Diamondback rattler can exceed seven feet in length and is the biggest of 20+ species and sub-species of Southwestern desert rattlers. Rattlers belong to a class of 100+ species of poisonous snakes generally called pit vipers.
Rattlesnakes can be a problem to ranchers, hunters, campers, hikers and anyone else who wants to enjoy the outdoors. For this reason, rattlesnake round ups began as a way to cull the rattlesnake population.
Sweetwater Rattlesnake Round-Up
The official kick off to the Rattlesnake Round-Up is the Rattlesnake Review Parade, held Thursday, March 06, 2008. This is followed by the Miss Snake Charmer Pageant held in the Sweetwater Municipal Auditorium.
The actual roundup begins Friday, March 7, and is held at the Nolan County Coliseum and the park adjacent to the coliseum.
On Friday, Saturday and Sunday, experienced snake hunters guide groups of registered hunters out to assist in the hunting and handing of the live rattlesnakes. Registration, license and fee required.
- If you do not want to hunt rattlesnakes, guided bus tours leave periodically throughout the day to view, film or photograph live rattlesnakes in their natural habitat.
- You can watch rattlesnakes being weighed, measured, milked and handled. If you wish, you may touch a live rattlesnake or eat a piece of deep fried rattlesnake. Other snacks are available as well.
- There are snake products and other crafts available for sale in the coliseum and at booths in Newman Park during the weekend.
- The Rattlesnake Round-Up Cook-off is held Saturday only in Newman Park, a 25 acre city park with creeks, trees, camping tables and pavilions.
- The Sweetwater Rifle & Pistol Club sponsors a Gun & Coin show in the Coliseum annex.
- A large carnival is held outside the Coliseum all weekend long.
- Dances are held on Friday and Saturday nights at 8 pm. Friday night features rock-n-roll music, Saturday night is country music. $15 per person/$25 per couple.
Controversy about Rattlesnake Roundups
The rattlesnake roundup is controversial. Snake advocates claim that the snakes are mistreated at the round up. On the other hand, the proceeds from the roundup benefit many charities and community agencies (see list HERE). This event is also important to the Sweetwater area because of the economic impact of tourism. You will need to decide for yourself if this is a worthy family activity.
I do know that the snakes are captured, milked, displayed, killed, skinned and their meat is cooked or sold. Last year the gall bladders were also sold. The skins are cleaned and sold. The heads are mounted and sold. No part of the snake is wasted, as best as I can determine. If we do it to cows, sheep and goats, I do not see a problem with doing it to snakes.
RV Parks in Sweetwater Area
