Columbia, SC (WLTX) - — Midlands residents got a chance to check out some of their favorite reptilian creatures over the weekend at Repticon.
"Seeing kids eyes light up and see them smile so wide it’s great feeling,” said Klay Menard, Show Coordinator, "It’s great knowing that people are teaching their children to be cautious of scaly animals and not scared of them.”
The event gave the community a chance to check out multiple animals, including turtles, lizards and snakes.
Frankie Bernie, who works with Fat Boy's Ball Pythons in North Carolina, says seeing people interact with the animals is his favorite part about the event.
"We’ve been doing this for about 15 years, and in those 15 years we’ve helped a lot of people get over their fear of snakes not all the time they leave with one but a lot of the times they leave with one.” Bernie said.
Menard is hopeful people left with a new love for reptiles.
“Just because it has scales does not mean it’s trying to kill you, a little snake is not going to bite you, a little lizard is not going to try to hurt you, events like this are great for teaching that.” Menard said.
Repticon will make a return to the Midlands in November.