By: Charles Romans
Carter County Times
The Kentucky Reptile Expo will be returning to Lexington, on September 19, at the Central Bank Center. The September show will mark the third show this year where fans can enjoy everything reptile and reptile related. The expo is a great way to experience the amazing world of all things cold blooded and learn about their living ecosystems all around the region and beyond.
The expo boasts over 125 tables with an incredible variety of live reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates. And there is now the addition of freshwater aquatics, reef keeping, and live plants, along with all of the supplies necessary to maintain the comfortable habitat of your favorite cold-blooded pets.
The event is family friendly fun, but also a learning experience with experienced reptile owners and others on hand to offer advice about almost any breed of reptile to which you take a fancy. It is a great place for not only seasoned pros but also aquarium hobbyists, plant lovers, and anyone curious about “something new.” General admission for the event is $15 at the door, with an early bird admission available for $20. Early bird admission lets you get in at 9 am for first access to the show floor.
The Kentucky Reptile Expo has posted some useful tips on their website, as well as general rules for the show and the venue. No backpacks or outside animals (excluding service dogs) are allowed inside the show. If you need to leave them with security at the front, you may do so. No outside food or drinks are allowed according to the venue rules – concessions are available inside, and until further notice are card only, with no cash purchases.
Parking can be tricky downtown, especially if there are other events. Plan ahead and get there early. You may have to walk a bit, but there is free or cheap parking if you know where to look.
“I have been into reptiles my whole life,” show owner and Carter County native Jarrod Greer said.
He shares the fascination with other reptile enthusiasts, but he does understand that different people form a closer bond with different animals, whether that be dogs, cats, toads, snakes, or iguanas.
“My reptiles know me,” Greer said, even though they don’t behave in the same manner as his dog. “And they know that when I’m in the room, they are going to get some attention or get fed. Or both.”
Greer said that a lot of people do feel they have made a bond similar to what one might think is reserved for a furrier choice of pet.
“You see it a lot in the younger generation, especially where reptile owners post pictures on Facebook with the caption of ‘see how much my snake loves me.’ The trend is now that captive reptiles need daily interaction,” Greer said. “The belief is that they need enrichment of some sort, and I can get behind that.”
Greer said that it really is all about the nature of your pet, and discovering what best supports that nature. Some snakes in the wild for instance, he said, curl up in a tree stump for weeks at a time. The fact that reptiles are low maintenance appeals to many, he said. But the fact that some reptiles enjoy a more hands on interaction appeals to others.
“But they are all fascinating,” Greer said of the reptiles showcased at the Kentucky Reptile Expo. “And you can learn all about it at the expo because reptile people love to share information about their favorite hobby. You can learn more about what already interests you or maybe pick up a new interest.”
Contact the writer at charles@cartercountytimes.com
