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he world’s largest Rattlesnake Roundup is coiled to strike from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., March 9 and 10, and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., March 11, at the Nolan County Coliseum, in Sweetwater. Area farmers and ranchers conceived the roundup in 1958 in an attempt to eliminate the abundant rattlers that were plaguing livestock, and the event has grown to become the largest roundup in the world, netting more than 123 tons of western diamondback rattlesnakes to date. Sponsored by the Sweetwater Jaycees as a major fundraiser, benefiting organizations that include the Special Olympics, TriCounty Children’s Advocacy, American Red Cross, the Boy and Girl Scouts, Texas Adopt-a-Highway and Thanksgiving Day feast for the homeless, this unique event draws 30,000 visitors annually from all 50 states, North and South America, Europe and Asia. As much an educational experience as fundraiser, attendees can learn about rattlesnakes and their habitat at the rattlesnake exhibit, get up-close views, watch snake handlers and even register for guided snake hunts. A variety of activities include an inside and outside flea market, carnival, vendor booths of souvenirs and curios, a rattlesnake cook-off, food and beverage vendors, a rattlesnake-eating contest and a gun, knife and coin show.
Photo: Ralph Arvesen
Sweetwater Holds 54th Annual Rattlesnake Roundup
Tickets: $7/adults; $4/children 10 and under. Location: 1699 Cypress St., Sweetwater. For more info, visit RattlesnakeRoundup.net.
Seeds of Inspiration at Home & Garden Show
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he 32nd annual Fort Worth Home & Garden Show will be held from 2 to 8 p.m., February 24, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., February 25 and from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., February 26, at the Fort Worth Convention Center, in Fort Worth. The show offers the opportunity to meet more than 400 experts in home, gardening, remodeling and home décor, along with learning about green energy products and vacation and leisure services. Drawing inspiration from the latest trends and ideas for gardening, landscaping, pools and spas, home remodeling and new construction, the show will feature thousands of square feet of exhibits. Attendees can visit with company representatives and home improvement experts that will help them discover the best way to move their home and garden projects forward. From backyard challenges to bathroom suites, the educational seminars and how-to demonstrations offer tips and tricks designed to take the worry out of home improvement projects. Tickets are $10/adults; $8.50/seniors; free/14 and under. Discount coupons are available online. Location: 1201 Houston St., Fort Worth. For more info, visit TexasHomeAndGarden.com. natural awakenings
February 2012
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