The main attractions at the Opp Rattlesnake Rodeo have started slithering into the cage outside of Opp City Hall this week.

Don Childre, one of the event’s organizers, said that he wasn’t sure how many snakes they were going to get this year, but that Kenneth Kelley had caught some and a few others had some.

Last year, they wound up with 87 huge, slithering Eastern diamondback rattlesnakes.

Childre said earlier this year at a rodeo committee meeting that he didn’t want that many this year.

In the early days of the rodeo, there were 300 to 400 snakes, but since the city has taken over the rodeo, the number has been far less.

This year’s rodeo is set for March 11 and 12 at Channell-Lee Stadium.

The snakes are used for snake shows and snake races the day of the rodeo.

There will be plenty of vendors and entertainment in addition to the rattlesnakes.

On Saturday, country music’s Chris Janson will headline and on Sunday, Confederate Railroad will headline.

Tickets are $10 and children get in free with a paying adult.