The dunes of the Little Sahara in Little Sahara State Park are the perfect place to ride ATVs. But on the first weekend after Easter, they become a platform for this tough annual race—The Waynoka Rattlesnake Hunt. The Hunt custom dates back to the 1940s when local farmers suffered from snakes attacking their livestock. Over time, this tradition was ingrained so well that it became a whole festival.
These days, Waynoka Saddle Club annually invites the bravest to hunt the Western Diamondback Rattlesnake. In the final ceremony, snakes are measured and weighed—all of them need to be alive. Winners are divided into three categories: the longest snake, the largest weight of all collected snakes, and those with the most buttons on the end of a rattler.
Entertainment
Despite the competition itself, the festival still has many activities for all family members. The main square of the city is blocked from traffic. There is a fair with carnival food and goods from local producers. Meanwhile, skilled snake handlers make snake shows along the sidelines.
The Waynoka Rattlesnake Hunt 2024 is an 78th annual three-day event with Ben Buckland and Matt Adair announcers. Guests can enjoy a live performance by the Krislyn Arthur Band, Seedy Company, and the Carricos. Prize Snakes will be mesuared and Awards given beginning at 2 pm on April 7, at the Saddle Club Building. Prizes will be awarded to winners in various classes.
Locations and Admission
The festival competitions are located on the outskirts of Waynoka. Entrance to the dunes of the Little Sahara costs 10$ a day. Tent place rent costs $12 a day. Waynoka Rattlesnake Hunt is a longstanding tradition that brings together communities to celebrate local culture, raise awareness about wildlife, and enjoy outdoor activities in the Oklahoma wilderness.
