Texas GatorFest

This past weekend was so much fun.  It was our first Gatorfest.  We live in the gator capital of Texas where alligators outnumber residents 3:1.  This festival celebrates the gator in a variety of formats.  You are able to experience alligator through hunters bringing in their catch.  This one was over 10 feet long.  The biggest of the weekend was over 13 foot.  Just a bit un-nerving when you think it through - these are taken from the region surrounding my home!  Hunters must have a special permit, have catch limits, need to hunt during a 'season' and have strict rules such as they have to be close enough to hook a gator first and then can use a gun to dispatch it.

You are allowed to handle gators, dead and alive.  This guy challenged me to put my head in the gators mouth but decided to do it himself when I declined.  He confirmed my thought that their mouth (even when dead) smells really bad.

The only way to hold a gator, regardless of size, is if their mouth is taped shut.

Not into the 'real' gators - that's okay, just spend time with the festival mascots.

We were blessed to have the company of some sweet friends, Dick and Ethel, visit us for gatorfest.  Ethel enjoyed the gator she tried for lunch.  Dick and I's tastebuds are not as adventerous as our spouses but we share a love of photography. 

Another popular event at the festival is airboat rides.  I was ready to pay my $12 for a 4 minute tour but was unwilling to wait 2 hours in the heat and humidity.  I had to settle for some really fun photos and the mist sprayed over those of us watching others have their turn.  Yep, they gave some wild rides!

Texas Gatorfest is an annual event each September in Anahuac, Texas.  They have a FaceBook page also. Additional activities include concerts, cook-offs, dances, pagents, vendors, and side-shows.  This guy was juggling fire!