Sunday afternoon the big boys come out to play. At 4:00, the buying platform hosts one of the greatest feats, trying to measure how long an uncooperative rattlesnake is. The snake literally takes several grown men to hold in a measuring trough and straightened out. Normally, the snakes in the competition range from 5' 6" to 7' long. The snakes are longer than the guys holding it is tall!

The trough used by the Association to measure the snake is made out of special materials to ensure the snake can be "stretched" with the greatest of ease. However, holding the snake in the trough is the hard part. Two men hold the nose of the snake on the measuring line, while the rest slowly try to straighten the snake. Concentration and Adrenaline is a must. The Association has yet had a handler bit attempting to measuring the snakes.

The "Longest Snake Contest" is governed by strict rules. The winner of the competition will be awarded a cash prize and bragging rights for the year. So far, the Mangum Rattlesnake Derby record is exactly 84 inches or seven feet.
 

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