|
“Snakes. Why did it have to be snakes?” If, like Indiana Jones, you’re not too fond of slithering reptiles you may wish to steer clear of the town of Mangum, Oklahoma, home to the annual Rattlesnake Derby. However if snakes have never been a particular fear, you might want to join the 30,000 people who flock there each April to get up close and personal with the serpentine world, as well as watching professional snake charmers, wrestlers and handlers do their thing. Braver souls compete to see who can handle the infamous snake pit and hold their own against the largest snakes going. Safety training is provided, but you may wish to opt for one of the regular tours designed to show you how snakes live in the wild. And when you’re all snaked-out, there's still the large flea market and kid-friendly fairground. Animal rights activists have quibbled over some of the activities at the Derby but the organizers maintain it’s an entertaining and genuinely educational event. You’ll certainly never think about snakes in the same way (though they may well haunt your dreams). |
|
For Pictures of the Rattlesnake Derby click on the snake |
|
Designed by TimeMaster Will Sanders |
|
April 26-27-28 Rattlesnake Derby & Flea Market Rattlesnake hunt and exhibitors, flea market with 500 booths, arts and crafts, 5K run, carnival, photo booth, and Miss Derby princess contest, and dance 580-782-2434 Location: Square in Mangum.Carnival, Music, Flea market, Snake hunt and food booths (for information call 580-471-0076) Western Heritage Association will be at the Rattlesnake Derby. Rattle bake sale derby on the sidewalk in front of Ad Craft in Mangum April 28 Tractor Pull SW Oklahoma Outlaw Pulling Club on the Mangum Fairgrounds Pull starts At 11:00 am classes: Stock 3.5 Mph, Modified 5 Mph, opens 8 Mph, Hot farm under 14000lbs and 4 wheel drive pickups contact Jack 580-471-5122 Shad 580-781 7243 or Freddie 580-471-2777 |