TX Press: 45th Annual Rattlesnake Round-Up fast approaches
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Posted by W von Papineäu on January 22, 2003 at 12:56:44:
SWEET WATER REPORTER (Texas) 22 January 03 45th Annual Rattlesnake Round-Up fast approaches (Blaize Justice)
The Rattlesnake Round-Up is just around the corner and people from all over the country are making plans to attend this year's event.
Local hotels are already making becoming booked, as reservations are pouring in from across the country. And full hotels usually mean restaurants and other local businesses can expect to be busy during the Round-Up.
"People from all over the United States come to this event," said Curtis Patel, manager of the Ramada Inn in Sweetwater. "People from all over the United States are already making hotel reservations. I am extremely excited about the event and the business that will be received from the event."
There is truly nothing like the Rattlesnake Round-Up with the many unique events that take place such as the Miss Snake Charmer Queen contest. The contest is held at the Sweetwater Municipal Auditorium, and several beautiful young women will compete for the title of Miss Snake Charmer and college scholarships donated by the Sweetwater Jaycees.
The Cook Shack is sponsored by the Sweetwater Jaycees. Those working in the Cook Shack are known for their ability to cook great deep fried Western Diamondback Rattlesnake meat. The meat is considered a delicacy all over the United States. The snake eating contest is held during the Round-Up as well.
There will also be a cook off held on the weekend of the Round-up. The Sweetwater Jaycee Cook Off attracts many contestants and thousands of spectators. The spectators will be the judge in categories of chicken, beans, pork ribs and chili. The winner will named the World Champion Rattlesnake Cooker.
If you are not quite in the eating mood, you may want see one of the many snake handling demonstrations that will be given every hour by local professional snake handlers.
All through the Rattlesnake Round-Up there will be snake milking techniques demonstrated for the public. Spectators will watch and see trained snake handlers milk poisonous rattlesnakes of their highly potent venom.
The venom is collected and used in medical research and as an antidote for snake bite victims. The milking process will go on throughout the Round-up.
For those who like to get out and get right into the action, there will be guided bus tours to see live rattlesnakes in their natural habitat. Many people take advantage of this time to take pictures of these rattlers in their natural habitat.
With all of these events it's no wonder why so many people come to participate in this great and memorable event.
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