But he wasn't sure if he'd seize the opportunity to eat snake meat again. The annual snake-meat eating contest will be held this afternoon. Contestants vie to scarf the most carcass in a given time. Those not interested in concessions will find a full plate of exciting things to sink their teeth into, Patterson said. What a Texas thing to do.
People can see snakes' venom being extracted.
That venom is used for medical research and to help develop anti-venom serums. Rattlers are also handled in larger rings so people can the kinder, gentler side to the frequently feared animal. So was the weather, which probably accounted for the high population of visitors and snakes at the event, said Jaycees member Hank Daniels. A carnival and a gun and coin show were held nearby. About 3,300 pounds of snakes have been herded for the show so far, said Junior Britton, director of the Jaycees.