It’s that time of year again, when the Rattlesnake Festival offers two full days of fun at the Pasco County Fairgrounds, following a special concert by the world-famous Bellamy Brothers to kick off this year’s event.
The Bellamy Brothers will perform on the evening of Oct. 18, with separate tickets sold for that event.
The traditional festival activities will be offered on Oct. 19 and Oct. 20 at the fairgrounds, at 36722 State Road 52, in Dade City.
The event, now in its 53rd year, will offer some new features and bring back some old favorites, too.
“We want the festival to continue to be an annual event that everyone looks forward to just like they did for more than 50 years,” said Joe Simmons, executive director of The Thomas Promise Foundation, which is hosting the event.
The Bellamy Brothers’ concert at the Dan Cannon Auditorium, at the fairgrounds, will be their first festival appearance since 1968.
Festivities on Oct. 19 are planned from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. , with some events occurring only on that day, including Cowboy Tom’s Wild West Show and a live performance by Clerks with a Cure in the Dan Cannon Auditorium.
That day’s schedule also includes the 41st annual Rattlesnake Run, held at the San Antonio Park at 12750 Oak St., in San Antonio. This will be comprised of a pet-friendly 5-mile run starting at 8 a.m., and a 1-mile run at 9:15 a.m. Registration begins at 7 a.m.
And at 6:30 p.m., the Rattlesnake Festival After Dark concert will provide musical entertainment by the Seventeenth Street Band and River Junction Band. Admission will be $10 per person at the gate.
Activities on Oct. 20 will run from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Exclusive to the day will be the Subaru Off-Road event as well as a dance and theater exhibition in the Dan Cannon Auditorium, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Both days will feature first-time and traditional offerings.
Some new features this year include a live bear exhibit and Soccer Collies – where people and dogs interact in a soccer game.
Also new will be the Walk on Water Air Bubbles that allows patrons to roll around inside a bubble, floating on water.
Jim Mendenhall’s snake show will make a comeback, along with Tampa’s Croc Encounters crocodile and reptile show, and other wildlife exhibits.
Also returning are bounces houses, a pumpkin patch, a petting zoo and pony rides.
Hungry patrons can visit the food court with various options, and there will be an array of vendors selling arts and crafts.
The purchase of a $15 wristband provides unlimited access to numerous fair rides provided by Big O Amusements.
Parking is free and admission is $5 for those ages 3 and older.
Proceeds will go toward The Thomas Promise Foundation, which helps to provide weekend meals to kids in need.
To pre-register for the run, visit www.RattlesnakeRun.com.
General admission for the Bellamy Brothers concert is $40 and seating is limited. Tickets can be purchased at www.RattlesnakeFestival.com.
For additional information, please contact Joe Simmons at (813) 782-0000 or at .
Rattlesnake Festival
Where: Pasco County Fairgrounds, 36722 State Road 52 in Dade City
When: Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. (Bellamy Brothers Concert); Oct. 19 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 10 p.m.; Oct. 20 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cost: Festival admission $5 for those ages 3 and up for Oct. 19 and Oct. 20 events; General admission for Bellamy Brothers concert is $40 and limited; 1-mile run is $20 for 18 and up, $15 for ages 11-17, and free for ages 10 and under; 5-mile run is $40 for 18 and up, and $25 for those under 18
Details: The festival kicks off with a live performance from the Bellamy Brothers. New and returning fun features and activities will be there on the other two days to enjoy. Vendors and a food court will be there, too.
Info: contact Joe Simmons at (813) 782-0000 or at . For Bellamy Brothers concert tickets, visit www.RattlesnakeFestival.com. Pre-register for the run at www.RattlesnakeRun.com.
Published October 09, 2019
