Annual snake show
Lometa's time to shine set for Saturday
By CHERI JAY-WIENECKE Special Correspondent

Vendors are booked, the carnival is ready to rock, and snake hunters are working overtime.

The buzzing has begun, and the Lometa Diamondback Jubilee is on the horizon. The Lometa Lions Club will kick off its annual jubilee on Saturday, with the carnival to begin Thursday.

"The weather is going to be good, and the Diamondback Jubilee will be absolutely great," said Lions Club member Dave Smith.

Begun as a means of protecting local children from rattlesnakes, the snake gather- ing has evolved into an annual festival that draws thousands from across the state. "We average five to six thousand people every year. For a town of 782 people, that's a pretty good turnout," Smith said.

More than 30 arts and crafts vendors and 18 food vendors have prepaid for the event with more concessions rolling in every day. The 19-piece U.S. Army band will provide patriotic music for the event, beginning around noon.

A "Cow Plop" will start with the bovine's release at 2 p.m. Another new event this year drawing interest is a car-bashing booth. For fifty cents, festivalgoers can take a sledge hammer to an old vehicle.

Returning for its 25th appearance, E&B Fun-Time Rides will offer its carnival daily on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Jubilee officials are expecting record numbers of snakes due to recent changes in payout at another area roundup. With a reduction in the number of reptiles brought to the Sweetwater event, Smith said wholesale snake buyers anticipate that those who did not attend the West Texas event will be bringing their catches to Lometa. The Lions Club will begin accepting rattlers around 7:30 a.m. Saturday.

The Diamondback Jubilee is unique in roundup circles, as checks for the snakes are written the day of the event with the entire proceeds going directly to the hunters. No deduction is taken by the Lions Club.

Jubilee parking and admission are free, and the Lions Club looks forward to another of year of fun, food and games for the community. "Come out and enjoy yourself," said Smith. "There will be plenty of food."