#ThrowbackThursday: Rattlesnakes take center stage, draw 18,000 to 1953 hunt in Waynoka
Linda Lynn, Oklahoman
Updated
A crowd standing shoulder to shoulder turns its attention to the small stage where the main attraction — a rattlesnake — is being lifted from a cage to be weighed. About 18,000 people swarmed Waynoka on a Sunday in 1953 for the Waynoka Saddle Club's Rattlesnake Hunt. This photo was published April 13, 1953, in the Oklahoma City Times. This year is Waynoka's 77th rattlesnake event, which will be held Friday through Sunday, while events related to the Okeene Rattlesnake Hunt and the Apache Rattlesnake Festival will begin Thursday and continue through Sunday. The Mangum Rattlesnake Derby will be April 28-30.
We run a #Throwback image each week, showcasing Oklahoma’s history. Be sure to follow us on Twitter @TheOklahoman_ and “Like” us at Facebook.com/TheOklahoman for more historical photos.
