Rattlesnakes are a group of approximately fifty species of venomous snakes, known as pit vipers. Their bite can be deadly, and these snakes are generally avoided. But in Sweetwater Texas, the 51st year of the Rattlesnake Round-Up is coming up.

The weekend will officially kick off with the annual Rattlesnake Review Parade through downtown Sweetwater on Thursday, March 12th, 2009. The Miss Snake Charmer Pageant takes place that night in the Sweetwater Municipal Auditorium at 7:00 p.m.

Then be ready as the doors of the Nolan County Coliseum open at 8:00 a.m. Friday March 13, 2009 for the 51st Annual Sweetwater Jaycees  World's Largest Rattlesnake Round-Up.  Snake weigh-ins being at 7:00 a.m.

The Rattlesnake Round-Up takes place annually on the 2nd weekend in March at the Nolan County Coliseum. Originally conceived by a group of area farmers and ranchers, the roundup was started as an attempt to rid the abundance of rattlers that were plaguing their livestock.

Since 1974, proceeds from this event have benefited a number of community projects. This event also brings tourists from around Texas and the nation to Sweetwater.