Sandy Creek Park intends today to embrace all things that slither.
The Sandy Creek Nature Center will play host to its 34th annual Snake Day from noon to 4 p.m.
The event will include live snakes, games, crafts, reptile hikes, presentations, face painting, food, a snake-themed photo booth, as well as guest speakers from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, the Orianne Society and Bear Hollow.
"The most important thing about Snake Day is the interaction with and education of the public," said Program Specialist and Naturalist Michelle Cash, who has participated in three previous Snake Day programs.
"Snakes are some of the most misunderstood creatures," said program leader Carmen Champagne. "Snake Day lets people get up close to learn and see the snakes for what they really are."
More than 70 snakes, both venomous and non-venomous, will be brought to the event by exhibitors like the Georgia Reptile Society and UGA's Herpetological Club. Those snakes will include pythons, rattlesnakes, copperheads, king snakes, worm snakes and a few exotic snakes, according to Cash.
Athens is home to a wide variety of native snakes. It is vital that people are able to recognize basic characteristics of these reptiles and have an understanding of their ecological importance, Cash said.
This year's Snake Day itinerary will also include viewing the nature center's updated and expanded exhibit hall, which features the habitats of northeast Georgia.
In previous years, Snake Day has attracted nearly 800 people, and program coordinators are gearing up for an equally impressive turnout this year.
"We get all sorts of people coming in for Snake Day. Some love snakes, others are scared of them, but we want to educate everyone," said Cash.
The program's activities and presentations are designed for those 4 years old and older.
A $3 family admission fee will be charged for Athens Clarke-County residents. Non-county residents will be charged $5. There will be no charge for children under 3.
The Sandy Creek Nature Center is located at 205 Old Commerce Road off U.S. Highway 441 north of the Athens Perimeter.
Further event information can be found online by visiting the Special Events page at www.athensclarkecounty.com/sandycreeknaturecenter, or by calling the Sandy Creek Nature Center at (706) 613-3615.