WALNUT SPRING, TX — Walnut Springs will host it's annual Rattlesnake Roundup on March 6-8.
Started by the Lions Club, and taken over by the Walnut Springs Business for Youth in Agriculture in 2011, the three-day Walnut Spring Rattlesnake Roundup has grown into the town’s main attraction.
The event combines ridding the area of excessive rattlesnake dens with a fundraiser for the local youth.
Both the snake show and live entertainment fees benefit the Walnut Springs Youth in Agriculture program, and bring in about half the organization’s funds for different projects. The organization raises money for youth livestock projects, but in recent years has expanded their support to scholarships and community events.
The rattlesnakes captured by hunters are featured in the Snake Pit during a snake charmer show before they are euthanized.
The rattlesnake skins are harvested to make accessories and their meat is used for cooking.
Last year, a group of hunters from Whisky Canyon Ranch brought in 195 pounds of rattlesnakes.
The heaviest snake weighed over four pounds.
The event says "It’s not the $100 cash prize, but the bragging rights that have the rattlesnake hunters excited to participate."
The activities surrounding the three-day event include musical entertainment in the town's saloons, a dance at the community center, rides at the carnival, IBCA sanctioned Rattlesnake Barbecue Cookoff, and a CASI sanctioned chili cookoff hosted by the Bosque Animal Rescue Kennels.
The bands playing at this year’s two for one Annual Snake Dance are the Calamity Janes at the Community Center and the Justin Ross full band at the Rattlesnake Ballroom.
