Monday, May 6, 2024
Hundreds showed up for the 54th annual Rattlesnake Roundup at the Oglesby Community Center on Feb. 24-25.
The event featured live snake demonstrations and a show, a vendor fair, live entertainment, games, carriage rides, a petting zoo, food trucks, and more.
World famous snake handler Jackie Bibby, also known as “The Texas Snakeman,” was present once again to demonstrate his skills when handling the venomous snakes. Bibby has spent over 50 years handling rattlesnakes and holds five world records. He was joined by other snake handlers who also took part in the daring demonstrations.
The first Rattlesnake Roundup occurred in 1970 when more than 100 snakes were captured by 22 parties of snake hunters. This year, snake hunter winners include Greg Key for catching the longest snake, Kris Kahler for the shortest snake, and Butch Heffelfinger for the largest snake by weight.
The event was first created by the Oglesby Lion Club as a fundraiser for the community. The club uses fundraisers to create proceeds that go back to the community, the school, and to the Lions Club Eye Bank.
