Music, barrel train rides, food and fun

The old phrase — ‘There’s something for everyone.’ — really rang true at the San Antonio Rattlesnake Festival & Run at San Antonio Park.

There was a man who was eating fire, musicians keeping the crowds entertained, and children riding in a train fashioned from barrels.

Shoppers could peruse booths featuring everything from homemade soaps to honey, to paintings and horseshoe décor.

And, visitors could learn a thing or two, too, or grab a bite to eat.

There were pony rides, bounce houses, wooden gopher tortoises races, face painting and plenty of other options for children to enjoy.

Betty Burke, chairwoman of the San Antonio Rattlesnake Festival & Run, was pleased to see people streaming by — obviously enjoying themselves.

Burke was working in the Rattlesnake Festival T-shirt Tent, where patrons were picking up the signature souvenir of the event.

“The T-shirts are our best advertisement,” Burke declared.

Dolores Riego de Dios, of the Rotary Club of San Antonio, and Jack Thies, of the Rotary Club of Zephyrhills-Daybreak, were on hand helping out.

Riego de Dios, who performed The National Anthem before the race began, said she’s glad her club decided to take over the event last year to keep it alive.

Next year, the event will be a two-day affair, as the festival marks its 50th anniversary.

“It’s great that it didn’t have to die,” Thies agreed.

He said he was there to help because that’s what Rotary Clubs do, they help each other.

Terrie Grissom also was happy to help, as was her sister, Donna Fichter, who was helping in the T-shirt tent.

Fichter marveled at the weather: “Gorgeous day! Could it not be better?”

Published October 21, 2015