Manitoban Reptile Show.

[BOAS_N_PYTHONS]

MANITOBAN REPTILE SHOW

Hi there fellow herpers:

I am thinking out loud about a reptile show in Manitoba. Many things must be considered before the initial idea and then the structure to create a show and get it from idea to exhibition. I am at the moment pondering the idea as many might have before. So right now I am just wondering a few things.

How many people in Manitoba are there with the love for reptiles?

Own 1 or more reptiles?

Breed any reptile species?

Would you come to this show as an observer?

Would you come to this show as an exhibitor?

Would help make this idea possibly?

How many people from anywhere in Canada or USA would come?

I have attended a few shows only in Alberta so far from Calgary to Red Deer and my passion for boas especially is what drove me to make these 16 hour drives possibly. Being we are in the middle of Canada are there any others that would make and help a Manitoban show a reality. We have considered this idea for a long time and I have discussed it with a few private people owing small - modest collections. The main focus being more to unite the herp communities on a country wide theme. Image seeing people from BC to NFLD from private collectors to reputable breeders. Not to mention if done at the right time all our fellow Canadian herpers can enjoy Manitoban attractions, celebrations and activities that our proud province provides. We are not only known for the blizzard winters and our native birds the mosquitoes....lol.

I know from the shows I attended I made some really great friends there for the first time and many others that I met over the net. And this idea would help match faces with people on the forums. I know its alot to ask from everything to being able to attend to affording the trip. But like Martin Luther King said "I have a dream" and I just added "that all herpers would unite!".

Well that my 2 maybe 3 cents, does anyone care to comment?

Cya...

Tony

BOAS_N_PYTHONS - proud of our mosquitoes and deep cold winters.

:grab:

[Burium]

If I was still living in Fargo, North Dakota, I would def be there. Winnipeg is about 4 hours away, so I would do it in a heart beat. Even if the show was at the same time I came home to visit, I would go. I could only look, but that's sometimes just as fun. Anyway. Sounds like a good idea. I hope it's made a reality.

Kelly

[GekkoGeck0]

I'm in Winnipeg and I would be more than willing to come. I've always hoped someone would be able to get something like this started here.

I have two geckos, a Palmatogecko rangei and a tokay, and a few amphibians as well. I would most likely come as an observer, though.

I don't know if I personally have any ideas to make this happen, but I do know a few people who might be able to help organize things, possibly.

[lakeridgekennel]

LETS DO IT!!!!!!!!!
GREAT idea tony!

[Tim_Cranwill]

Well, we've had talks about it before. There was a "Why aren't there any shows in Sask?" thread and I brought it up. There was a decent amount of support from out of province. I would be more than willing to put it on, help put it on, attend, exhibit.. WHATEVER I could do to help.

Why don't we do some thinking at the M.H.S. BBQ on June 27th and see if we can make it happen.... if not this year, next year. :)

[Shaghan]

I think it's a great idea. I would definitly be there to volunteer or help plan in anyway.

Own 1 or more reptiles? I own 2.

Breed any reptile species? Nope

Would you come to this show as an observer? Yes

Would you come to this show as an exhibitor? Nope

Would help make this idea possibly? I'm in.

That's my 2 cents. Cya at the MHS BBQ.

[vincenzo]

great idea anything i can do to help i'm there

[Jodi]

Awesome idea....I would definitely help out!

[Colin Friesen]

Well its about time.... Tony, i think its a great idea. I would be more than willing to help in any way possible. See ya'll at the bbq!!

Colin

[Scales Zoo]

We could bring a big display, and I think we could get Vern at the show as well.

Ryan

[Tim_Cranwill]

You mean Vern actually leaves his house?!?!?! lol :D

[BOAS_N_PYTHONS]

EVERYONE:

Wow, was not 100% sure if the hobby was into this idea and had to ask. Soon I will attend the June meeting and get a better feel from all the members to move this idea into reality. I expect there is alot of work to organize this show. And with the help from you all and our supporting provincial friends this can make things easier.

RYAN:

Yes getting you and Sheila and Vern and many more large boid displays would make the show a real eye catcher. I still need to find out all the information to display these critters in the city and think Vern might know all about that.

TIM:

It' s reptile related I don' t think Vern would miss a chance to be around reptile people.

ANYONE ELSE IN CANADA:

If there are any others that are located outside of Manitoba that might be interested in making this show a reality, please say so here on this post or email me.

MY 2 CENTS:

I have been to some great shows in Calgary and Red Deer and hear good things about Ontario shows as well. My main focus on a Manitoban show is to create a show where people can meet contacts they know from past dealings over the phone, internet and so on. Also to see and display gorgeous animals and teach the public that where they may be some bad press on reptiles, it is not the case with true responsible hobbiests who put there animals care as there main focus.

I still need to find out all the requirements on making the show a vender type where people can set up a table and responsibly sell or trade 100% healthy and perfect animals, and keep it a legal manner by restricting sales of restricted animals in the city and province - this means "sorry Joe Blow you can' t get your albino cobras in the parking lot or perimeter of the city"....lol.

I figure we create a honest and respectful show in Manitoban will show the authorities, that people are responsibly and even that there may be bad apples does not mean the basket went bad as well.

Well I am rambling on and I still have not had my coffee this morning, so cya all.

Cya...

Tony

[vanderkm]

While we wouldn't be able to attend in 2004, by early 2005 we will be located in Regina, and if I understand the regs around import/export of herps in Saskatchewan - I would be very interested in bringing colubrids to display, sell/trade, etc.

I am especially interested in seeing the general public become more educated about appropriate reptile pets - the more people who responsibly keep cornsnakes and leopard geckos as pets, the better the chance for the herp hobby to thrive and beat the threat of unreasonably restrictive legislation against keeping reptiles.

Forgot to answer the questions - we keep and breed cornsnakes, honduran milksnakes (keep various other milks as well) and several kingsnake species.

mary v.

[Tim_Cranwill]

With Scales Zoo, Vern Ruml and Dave's Reptiles, the Manitoba show would have (dare I say?) probably the most impressive collection of giant snakes of ANY expo in Canada!

A sight to be seen, for sure! :)

My vote: Let's just do it... there's no reason not to, in my mind.

[Scales Zoo]

We wouldn't have to bring any big pythons if Vern was bringing his, or if Dave came with his. We could bring a few things few in Manitoba would otherwise have the chance to see.

There will be enough pet reptile breeders showcasing their stuff, we don't need to drive all the way out there with cornsnakes and things.

Ryan

[lakeridgekennel]

I can bring some big sweeties if you like.
burms and stuff like that.

Sean

[Tarentola]

that would be awesome..................i probaly could sell a few things too

[Tarentola]

that would be awesome..................i probaly could sell a few hatchilings too......................of the gecko variety