HURRICANE, the seven-year-old python, is prepared for every show that he does with owner Nathan Kasch, of Down Under with Reptiles, from Tamworth.
He is one of the few snakes that children are allowed to pat and touch at this year’s Alstonville Agricultural Show.
“I also have a number of venomous snakes that I show, including eastern browns, tiger snakes, red-belly black snakes, death adders and the inland taipan,” Mr Kasch said.
“Obviously, the children only get to pat the python, which isn’t venomous.”
As Mr Kasch presented his snakes to a riveted audience of Alstonville Public School children, he outlined the necessary actions to take if anyone came across a snake in the wild or, if bitten by one, what first aid to apply.
“If you go outside and see a snake, stand still and don’t move,” he said as he presented an inland taipan, one of the most deadly snakes in the world.
“They don’t bite things that don’t move and you can scream as loud as you like as snakes don’t have ears.”
Mr Kasch recommended applying a large bandage to a bite by wrapping that part of the body firmly, without cutting circulation, within one to two minutes of the bite occurring.
“There are 3000 people bitten by snakes each year,” he said.
“And not one has died by using this simple bandage method once bitten.”
Less dangerous were the dog trials, where Jeremy Cruickshank, of Casino, and Adrian Bromwich, of McKees Hill, were watching the well-trained canines go through their paces as they rounded up and herded a small group of cattle.
Both men had dogs competing in the maiden events in the trials and were impressed with the standard of competition.
“It’s a good line-up of competitors,” Mr Cruickshank said.
For visitors to the show who love live entertainment, yesterday saw Alstonville Public School Year 6 class take to the stage to perform a number of Zumba routines.
Zumba is a recent dance craze for those who love high-energy movements and a chance to wiggle their hips, which these co-ordinated students did in front of fellow pupils, teachers, parents and visitors.
For the more relaxed, a wander through the pavilion uncovered a plethora of crafts, culinary treats, art and flower arrangements.