The dust has settled at Hagan Community Park in Rancho Cordova, California, but the energy from the 5th Annual Sacramento Snake Festival is still vibrating through our community. On Saturday, May 2nd, we gathered to celebrate the incredible, misunderstood creatures that share our world—and the results were nothing short of historic.
A Record-Breaking Day for Wildlife
This year, we didn’t just meet our goals; we shattered them. SnakeFest 2026 reached a new peak with over 900 attendees joining us throughout the day. By more than doubling our reach from last year, we’ve proven that the desire for coexistence is rapidly growing in Northern California.
Beyond the crowds, the financial impact was staggering. We raised a total of $19,500, funds that are already being deployed to support our Conservation Partners in South Asia, Africa, and right here in California. This success was amplified by our presence in the local media, with features on CBS News and Fox 40 helping us reach thousands of households with a message of respect and safety.
Bridging the Gap Between Fear and Fascination
From the moment the gates opened, the park was filled with families, students, and nature enthusiasts eager to learn. The atmosphere was anchored by the work of renowned artist Joey Rose, who spent the day creating a breathtaking live mural that captured the vibrant beauty of our native wildlife.
Inside the exhibit area, educational excellence was on full display. Partners like the UC Davis Todd Lab, Sacramento Splash, and the San Francisco Zoo provided the kind of hands-on learning that turns fear into fascination. The undisputed star of the show was our rattlesnake educational ambassador, who spent the day helping visitors understand the vital role apex predators play in maintaining a healthy ecosystem.
The Power of Partnership
An event of this scale is only possible through the power of community. We extend our deepest gratitude to our dedicated volunteers and our incredible sponsors, including the City of Rancho Cordova (Measure H Fund), California Rice Commission, Pets To Go, Rattlesnake Ranch AZ, All Creatures Veterinary Emergency Clinic, and Snake Fencing LLC. We also want to thank Hedgerow Farms for the shade and Namaste Foods for keeping our team fueled.
Snakes are important. Let’s save them together.
SnakeFest 2026 may be over, but the work never stops. The funds raised ensure that Save The Snakes can continue to mitigate human-snake conflict and protect these essential animals worldwide. Thank you, Sacramento, for making this our most impactful year yet.
