The Abilene Reporter-News
Sweetwater Jaycee Dennis Cumbie drapes a western diamondback rattlesnake around Macy Newberry, a junior at Sweetwater High School on Friday. Macy won his year's Miss Snake Charmer pageant and said that at 10 a.m. Saturday, she will be skinning snakes at Nolan County Coliseum at the 64th World's Largest Rattlesnake Roundup.
Sweetwater Jaycee Dennis Cumbie drapes a western diamondback rattlesnake around Macy Newberry, a junior at Sweetwater High School on Friday. Macy won his year's Miss Snake Charmer pageant and said that at 10 a.m. Saturday, she will be skinning snakes at Nolan County Coliseum at the 64th World's Largest Rattlesnake Roundup.

It wasn't a day for the cold-blooded.

The return of winter made western diamondback rattlesnakes in the region den-up for the chilly weather, reducing their numbers at the 64th annual World's Largest Rattlesnake Roundup.

The temperature in the area was in the 40s on the first day of spring break.

The people who were hoping for a bite of snake meat will not be disappointed. The kitchen will be open as temperatures recover and more snakes are brought into the coliseum by hunters.

Scott Cagle holds a balloon as a western diamondback rattlesnake strikes it during an educational program Friday.
Scott Cagle holds a balloon as a western diamondback rattlesnake strikes it during an educational program Friday.

The attendance numbers for Friday were normal. The past president of the Sweetwater Jaycees, Riley Sawyer, died on April 21st. At the Sunday Beard Contest, Sawyer's long red beard was a sure contender.

The carnival and trade show will also be open next door. There are many other food vendors on hand for those who don't eat snake meat.

A western diamondback rattlesnake is coiled in the milking pit.
A western diamondback rattlesnake is coiled in the milking pit.

The cost is $10 for adults, $5 for active/retired military, and $5 for children ages 5-12. The event ends at 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday at 5 p.m. Sunday.

The article originally appeared on the Reporter- News.

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    The 64th annual World's Largest Rattlesnake Roundup is set to open Friday.

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