Your Guide to the Waurika Rattlesnake Hunt and Festival
It’s that time of year again! One of Chickasaw Country’s most unusual and heart-pounding events is upon us: the 58thAnnual Rattlesnake Hunt and Festival. From April 11 – 14, almost 50,000 people will attend this festival in downtown Waurika, with proceeds benefitting the local volunteer fire department. You don’t have to be a rattlesnake hunter to attend this festival; in fact, there’s a lot of things you can do that don’t involve snakes at all! You can ride carnival rides, shop on the midway and eat delicious food.
We want you to make the most of this four-day event! Read below for your complete guide to the Waurika Rattlesnake Festival.
Thursday, April 11:
12 p.m. – The concession stand opens! All of the proceeds help the Waurika Volunteer Fire Department purchase much-needed supplies, so be sure to stock up on goodies.
3 p.m. – Watch out! The Thrill Shows with James White and the Outlaw Handlers begins. Watch these two daredevils perform live with rattlesnakes.
6 p.m. – The carnival opens. You can buy a wristband and it will be active for the entire weekend. The carnival is open until 10 p.m.
Friday, April 12
11 a.m.– If you’ve always wanted to hunt rattlesnakes, the time is NOW. Sign up for the snake hunt. You can also register at 2 p.m. Friday, 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Saturday, and 12 p.m. Sunday.
12 p.m. – The guided snake hunt begins! If you can’t make it to this hunt, don’t worry. There are plenty of hunts throughout the weekend.
12 p.m. – The second thrill show with James White and the Outlaw Handlers begins!
3 p.m. –The second guided snake hunt of the weekend begins.
6 p.m. – Hit up the carnival and grab a bit to eat.
6:45 p.m.– The Friday night concert begins with the CJ Cody Band. Slither on over to the stage to take in some live music.
Saturday, April 13
9 a.m. – Calling all runners to the starting line! The JeffCo Helping Hands 5K and 1 Mile Walk begins.
9 a.m. – The carnival opens! Head to the midway for fun all day long. Be sure to try the fried rattlesnake … we’re heard it taste like chicken!
9 a.m.– Last chance to catch The Thrill Show with James White and the Outlaw Handlers! You don’t want to miss seeing the rattlesnakes on main street. You can touch them and even take your picture with one.
6:45 p.m. – The Saturday night concert begins with the Chris Shakelford Band.
Sunday, April 14
11 a.m.– The carnival opens. Visit the midway for the last day of carnival rides.
12 p.m.– Register for the final snake hunt of the festival.
1 p.m.– The final guided snake hunt begins.
3 p.m. – The Rattlesnake King and Queen will be crowned. Following the coronation, the winners of the smallest rattlesnake, longest rattlesnake and the rattlesnake with the most rattlers will be announced.
We hope you have a great time at the festival! Remember to use #VisitChickasaw when posting your photos.
Kalli
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