“This is a come-out-and-have-fun thing. We want to remind the community and everyone that we’re still here,” said Michael Lopez, SWCID recreation director.

Rattler Fest takes place all day Saturday and it is for all ages. Student organizations will have a car bash and sell snowcones and homemade root beer. There will be inflatable games, a water slide, laser tag and a dunking booth, Lopez said.

Among the food items will be barbecue brisket and sausage.

Rattler Fest has been going on in some form for years at SWCID, said Lopez.

“It used to be called SWCID Fest, but now SWCID Fest is held every five years. It’s our really huge event which will take place in 2010 when people come from all over the United States. For Rattler Fest, we’ll still have people coming in from all over because we try to get our recruits and their families on our campus during this time,” explained Lopez.

With that in mind, there will also be lots of information available about the college for the deaf for those who are interested in learning more. Organizations present will include Highland Council for the Deaf and West Texas Association for the Deaf.

Activities will begin at 10 a.m. and last most of the day, Lopez said.

“It’s open to the public. We encourage you to come and enjoy the day with us,” he added. “It should be a lot of fun.”

SWCID is located at 3200 Ave. C, west of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Bill McClellan can be reached by calling (432) 264-7331, ext. 235 or by e-mail at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it