ST PETERSBURG TIMES (Florida) 15 October 04 Tribute to reptiles stays true to roots. A beauty pageant and fashion show are added; still, the Rattlesnake Festival is old-fashioned. (Molly Moorhead)
San Antonio: October in northeast Pasco means music, food, games and reptile appreciation.
The 38th annual San Antonio Rattlesnake Festival is Saturday and Sunday, two solid days of activities centered on a slithering mascot.
The signature events - the Snakes Alive! shows - run roughly every hour throughout both days. Miami wildlife expert John Jones will present the program for the first time, bringing a truckload of rattlers from his South Florida wildlife sanctuary for educational demonstrations.
John Storms of Fort Myers will put on shows with other reptiles, including a 4-foot python, dwarf crocodile and alligator snapping turtle.
Children may not handle the animals but get to be part of the shows.
"They're both great with youngsters," said Gloria Bohannon, president of Rattlesnake and Gopher Enthusiasts, the festival's organizing body. "They get the kids to participate and ask questions."
The festival's other big draw - the Gopher Turtle Races - will run about once an hour. Contestants pull mechanical turtles made of wood along strings in a race to the finish.
There's no admission to the festival but some events, including the snake and reptile shows, have a cost. Shows are $4 for adults and $2 for children younger than 12. Gopher races cost $1 to enter.
But the children's games - pedal tractor race, egg toss, softball throw, sack race and sponge race, to name a few - are free.
"There's lots to do without having to pay a penny," Bohannon said.
And don't forget the entertainment.
Bluegrass, country and gospel acts will perform on two stages throughout the festival. There will also be a wild west show, youth talent acts, tae kwon do demonstrations and a taxidermy exhibit. Local groups, including the Pasco County Fair Association and Pioneer Florida Museum, will have booths set up.
More than 100 arts and crafts vendors will have handmade items for sale.
The menu includes typical festival fare such as hot dogs, sausages and funnel cakes. But the barbecue chicken, fish and corn on the cob have become famous.
"We make it all, so it's good," Bohannon said.
New to the festival this year are pageant queens and a Western wear fashion show.
The first Miss Rattlers, five girls ages 4-18, were crowned Sunday. The pageant winners will be on hand during the weekend, providing information and answering questions.
But in most respects the festival will be the same as always: "We try to keep it in an old-fashioned way," Bohannon said.
IF YOU GO
WHAT: San Antonio Rattlesnake Festival
WHEN: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday; 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday
WHERE: San Antonio Park, downtown San Antonio
COST: Admission and parking are free, but some individual events include a fee. The Snakes Alive! show is $4 for adults and $2 for children.
... the Rattlesnake Festival is old-fashioned.