Magnum Rattlesnake Derby

Every year expert rattlesnake handlers gather during the spring in Mangum, Oklahoma for the annual Mangum Rattlesnake Derby. The Shortgrass Rattlesnake Association organized the first event in 1966. A weekend long derby includes hunting, measuring and cooking deadly reptiles. The crowd of avid fan typically totals nearly 30,000 spectators. Families gather to watch snake handlers and dine at "Bite-A-Snake Café." Only the bravest enter the snake pit in search of the the longest "rattler" to win a trophy at the derby.

Most festival visitors agree that the snakes taste a lot like chicken. Diners at the "Bite-A-Snake Café" are encouraged to vote in the annual "name the flavor of the serpentine" contest. Mangum Mounties Association volunteers spend hours battering rattlesnake slices at the butcher shop before the meat is tossed into the frying pan. Parents are encouraged not to allow younger children to
consume meat from the spine of the snake, due to the boney nature of the tasty, yet dangerous portion of the reptile

Carnival rides roll into town each April to the delight of area youngsters. Festival attractions include one of the largest flea markets in Oklahoma, live music and a pageant. Greer County High School hopefuls vie for the title of "Miss Derby Princess." Pageant royalty must be brave enough to pose with the winner of the "Longest Snake" contest before she is presented with her prizes and college scholarship award.

Festival visitors crowd in the "Snake Pit" arena to watch handlers maneuver around over 100 deadly snakes slithering about their feet. Handlers entertain the crowd while "wrangling" a venomous Western Diamondback rattlesnakes. The adventurous and veteran snake handlers educate the crowd on the ancient art of snake charming.

Rattlesnake hunters traverse rugged Oklahoma terrain in search of the biggest snakes. If you think hunting deadly snakes sounds like a good time, plan on registering in advance for the hunter safety course. The snakes are so large and dangerous that it takes at least four grown men to hold the reptiles during the weighing and measuring process. Typically, snake at the festival average six feet in length.

The "Butcher Shop Show" is also a much anticipated part of the annual reptile festival. Visitors watch in amazement as long and deadly snakes are prepared for human consumption. While the show is both educational and intriguing, the amount of blood and tossing of snake heads may prove too gory for some spectators. Although the snakes have already been killed before they reach the butcher shop, the culinary volunteers must still use extreme caution while handling the reptile. During the skinning and head removal process, the snake's powerful jaws have just one bite left in them, and can still release venom. The crowd audibly demonstrates their surprise at how fast and strong a snake's jaws can move after death when a butcher shop volunteer uses a spectator's hat or gloves during demonstrations.