There are venomous creatures in the Capitol, slithering beasts that make a disturbing noise. As they slide like worms toward their prey, they are easily scared off and try to squirm their way toward the protective coverage of their brethren.

Yes, the Sweetwater Jaycees (an offshoot of the illustrious Sweetwater Junior Chamber of Commerce) are displaying a selection of rattlesnakes in the open-air rotunda at the Capitol Extension today. They’re promoting their Sweetwater Rattlesnake Roundup (the world’s largest rattlesnake roundup), starting March 8.

What did you think we meant?

This article appears in February 2 • 2007.

A note to readers: Bold and uncensored, The Austin Chronicle has been Austin’s independent news source for over 40 years, expressing the community’s political and environmental concerns and supporting its active cultural scene. Now more than ever, we need your support to continue supplying Austin with independent, free press. If real news is important to you, please consider making a donation of $5, $10 or whatever you can afford, to help keep our journalism on stands.

SUPPORT US

The Chronicle's first Culture Desk editor, Richard has reported on Austin's growing film production and appreciation scene for over a decade. A graduate of the universities of York, Stirling, and UT-Austin, a Rotten Tomatoes certified critic, and eight-time Best of Austin winner, he's currently at work on two books and a play.