ODESSA AMERICAN (Texas) 07 February 06 Snakes for catching and for eating at round-up - Rattlesnake lovers to gather in Sweetwater for 48th year (Elizabeth York)
Sweetwater: It may not be pretty or clean or even completely safe, but it’s a time-honored tradition that looks like it’s gaining momentum with time.
For the 48th year, the Sweetwater Jaycees of Sweetwater will host the World’s Largest Rattlesnake Round-Up from March 9 to March 12. The weekend will start with a parade, queen contest and dance, then move to snake hunting sessions, snake milking demonstrations and a cook-off featuring rattlesnake meat.
According to information from the Sweetwater Jaycees, the roundup began in 1958 when a group of area ranchers and farmers conceived of the idea to rid themselves and their livestock of rattlesnakes. To date, there have been more than 125 tons of Western diamondback Rattlesnakes turned in.
Scott Fortin, Jaycee president, said that normally 20,000 to 30,000 people come to the event. Many vendors, demonstrations, a cook-off and several dances help draw people, he said.
About 120 cooks participate in the cook-off, Fortin said. Many people akin rattlesnake to greasy chicken, Fortin said.
“It tastes more like frog legs to me,” Fortin said.
If rattlesnake isn’t pleasing in the mouth, visitors can find other snake products.
“We have vendors that have wallets, key chains,” Fortin said. “You name it, they have it.”
Rattlesnake hunters can win prizes and sell their snakes to vendors. The Jaycees buy about one-quarter of the snakes and the remainder goes to another vendor, Fortin said.
Trained Jaycee snake handlers perform demonstrations like determining the sex of the snakes by inserting a probe into their hind section, Fortin said.
“If it goes in, it’s male, if not, it’s female,” Fortin said.
The collected data is given to the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, Fortin said.
Handlers extract venom using a funnel with a rubber membrane. The venom is used to make antivenin, he said.
Although it’s impossible to become immune to rattlesnake venom, Fortin said there will be ambulances and plenty of antivenin on hand in case of a bite.
“We haven’t had anybody bit in more than 12 years,” Fortin said. “That’s one of our big goals is safety.”
Kay Berryman, office manager of the Sweetwater Chamber of Commerce, has lived in Sweetwater for 26 years and is preparing to participate in the roundup for the 18th time.
“It’s a lot of fun,” Berryman said. “Everybody ought to come out at least once.”
Berryman said visitors should not miss seeing the snake handlers’ demonstrations and should volunteer to judge the cook-off by tasting chicken, ribs, brisket, chili and rattlesnake.
“A lot of people come from all over, and they seem to enjoy it,” Berryman said.
For the people of Sweetwater, the roundup is something like a homecoming.
“It’s a fun atmosphere for the people who live in Sweetwater,” Fortin said. “It’s like a family reunion.”
Snakes for catching and for eating at round-up