JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – If you love reptiles and exotic pets, or just want to learn a little bit more about them, Repticon Jacksonville is returning to the beautiful University Center on the campus of the University of North Florida this weekend.
The 10,000 sq. ft. facility will be packed with a great selection of reptiles and exotic pets, pet products, reptile themed-merchandise, and all sorts of reptile-related fun.
Organizers say this state of the art venue with plenty of convenient parking is easy to reach, and will provide a world-class backdrop for Repticon Jacksonville, one of Repticon's fastest growing shows.
The event happens just three times a year, and Bob Schumaker, the co-owner of the LB Reptile Experience has been taking part in the event in Jacksonville for years.
"Repticon is the education of reptiles," Schumaker says. "A lot of people think reptiles need to be killed if they see them out in the street or in the yard. No. We have to have these guys. If you don't have snakes you're going to have rodents."
A Texas Indigo snake and an American Alligator are just a few of the reptilies Schumaker will be bringing to this event, but he says there will be plenty others. Organizers say the expo will bring thousands of reptiles, amphibians, intertebrates, spiders and small exotic animals to Jacksonville. Top breeders and vendors will offer animals, merchandise, cages, supplies, live and frozen feeders as well as expert advice.
Schumaker says not only is Repticon a chance to see the the reptiles but a chance to interact with and learn about them as well through world-class seminers by industry experts..
"There are shows every hour on the hour telling you things about these guys," Schumaker says.
Schumaker says in the last few years Repticon Jacksonville has been getting bigger and better, with more people attending.
"Thirty percent of Americans has or has had reptiles," Schumaker. "So that's a big thing right now a lot of people have reptiles."
If you want to experience the reptiles, you can go to the show which is Saturday and Sunday, November 9-10, 2013, at UNF University Center.
You can get VIP tickets which will allow you into the show both days or you can buy them separately.
The doors open to the general public at 10 a.m. on Saturday, closing at 5 p.m. On SUnday, the show hours are 10 a.m. until 4 p.m. At the door tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children 5-12 and children under 5 are admitted free.
For more information, you can go to www.repticon.com