Snakes Alive

Snakes Alive

    The Fourth Annual Reptile Expo is coming! This year's expo will be in August at the Belton Coliseum. Please note the new location. The change is because of the destruction of the old expo center by a tornado last spring. We think you'll like the new setting. The expo hall is huge. There's room for more than 200 booths.

    Special features at this year's show will include "Viper Van's Wildlife Show." This is the wildest, funniest educational program ever. "Viper Van" actually is animal handler Van Mitchell. Mitchell travels the country teaching grown-ups and children about wildlife. At this year's expo, he'll share his knowledge of snakes, alligators, and turtles. You won't want to miss this entertaining program.

    Among the speakers at the expo will be reptile expert Dr. Robyn Trent. Dr. Trent will discuss the newest medicines for reptiles. Dr. Hector Vargas will give a talk about the proper feeding of reptiles. Also, top breeders will give a variety of workshops during the four-day expo.

    Check the Internet for the website about the expo. You also can see photographs of last year's five "Best Reptile" finalists on the website. These include the python that won overall Best of Show last year. The winning photos in the Reptile Photo Contest also are posted on the website.

    Expo planners estimate that the crowd at this year's show will be even larger than last year. More than 6,000 people attended the third annual expo. So make your conference and hotel reservations early. You can register on the Internet. Registration forms also are available at your local pet store.