Whigham Rattlesnake Roundup is Saturday
Saturday’s 59th Annual Rattlesnake Roundup in Whigham will have more for visitors to see than just snakes and festival vendors. This year, there will be professional music, new cars and trucks to see and farming equipment on display, as well.
“We’re hoping for good weather and a big crowd,” says Steve Baggett, president of the Whigham Community Club, which puts on the community event to raise money for local causes.
The rattlesnake will share the spotlight with beloved hometown blues musician Johnnie Marshall, this year, although far across the Roundup Grounds from one another. Rattlesnakes brought in by contributing hunters will be on display at the “Snake Ring” while Yarbrough’s Educational Reptile Program will conduct professional demonstrations throughout the day.
Gates open to the public at 8 a.m., and while parking is free at the Roundup Grounds on U.S. 84 in Whigham, there is an entrance fee to the roundup, itself, of $5 per person with a maximum of $20 per family. Children 5 and under get in for free.
Once inside the roundup gates, visitors can shop and visit with 75-100 vendors, including local businesses such as Farmer’s Peanut Company, Knight Equipment, Stallings Motors, Hobson Chevrolet, Thomasville Toyota and more.
Festival booths will offer items such as wrought iron work, wood work, leather goods, baby items, jellies, jams, soaps, candles and more, according to organizers. Information booths will also be on hand from the blood mobile, and other nonprofits.
Activities that will excite the youngest visitors will include bungee jumping, bounce houses, laser tag, monster water balls, a petting zoo and face painting.
Meanwhile, Johnnie Marshall will perform beginning at 10 a.m. and continue through the afternoon with a break only for lunch, according to officials. Visitors are invited to bring a lawn chair or blanket if desired.
