Rattlesnake Rodeo held in Opp

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA)- Normally, when you hear the sound of rattling in the grass nearby, you run away. However, the town of Opp has decided to embrace the rattle with its annual Rattlesnake Rodeo.

“I was in the Navy, and I’ve been all over the world, stationed all over the world... (if) I tell somebody I’m from Opp, Alabama, (they say) ‘oh, they play with rattlesnakes,’” Rattlesnake Rodeo spokesperson Brett Ballard explained.

According to Ballard, it has been held for over 60 years. It started when a local man named J.P. Jones organized a small event. Eventually, the gathering grew and moved to Channell-Lee Stadium, where it has been held for the 50-plus years since.

“It started with just one man and having a few snakes, or a lot of snakes in his neighborhood, trying to figure out what to do with them probably,” said Ballard.

While many come just to see the deadly snakes, if you’re feeling adventurous, you could eat them as well. They serve fried rattlesnakes that some describe as tasting similar to alligators.

“Kinda like fish, almost like crab is,” described Kyle Lowe as he was making a fresh batch. “It tastes a lot like gator, but it’s real bony.”

As far as the chef’s opinion?

“Eh, it’s probably like a 5 or 6 (out of 10) for me, I’m not a big fan of it,” Lowe expressed.

Sunday was the event’s last day, so you’ll have to wait until next year to try it for yourself.

This year’s event also featured a pageant, live music performances, and even snake races throughout the weekend.

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