Wilsonville Spokesman Online

Reptile show open to all ages

Be prepared to squeal, or delight, in the Northwest Reptile Expo

• By: Josh Kulla  
• Published: 1/23/2010 10:03:04 AM

Reptile show
A Wilsonville-based organization brings reptiles and amphibians to the Holiday Inn-Wilsonville from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23.

If you thought the kids liked The Reptile Man’s hour-long show, wait until they hear about this: Wilsonville’s biggest-ever reptile display is coming to town this Saturday.

Northwest Reptile Expos, a Wilsonville-based company that promotes reptile trade shows throughout the Pacific Northwest, will host the ninth annual Portland Metro Reptile Expo starting at 10 a.m. on Jan. 23 at the Wilsonville Holiday Inn.

For local residents, it’s a chance to view thousands of captive-born reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and a host of related products and services all under one roof at one time. Over 50 vendors from around the region have reserved space at the expo.

Along with Saturday’s show in Portland, the group is also set to host a similar event in Tacoma on March 13.

According to Joel Ebarb, Northwest Reptile Expos owner and operator, the reptile business has experienced strong growth over the past decade, with accompanying interest from the public. Ebarb moved his company to Wilsonville five years ago, and has experienced success at his new location.
“The reptile industry is a multi-million dollar industry that’s exploded over the past 10 years,” Ebarb said. “From a $15 bearded dragon to a $5,000 ball python morph, you will see it all here.”

Show proceeds in the past have gone, in part, to support the Turtle Survival Alliance, Project Heloderma and savethefrogs.com, this year’s main recipient. Over 2,000 people have attended past shows, and that many or more are expected this time out.

“Our events are fun for all ages, and are the next best thing to the zoo,” said Ebarb, who also is fond of noting that recent events are “six times the size of the reptile and amphibian show hosted at OMSI.”
“You really can’t even compare the two,” he said.

Tickets are affordable, at $7 for adults and $3 for children. Coupons for another dollar off the entry fee are available on the company’s Web page. 

Portland Metro Reptile Expo 2010
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23, Wilsonville Holiday Inn, 25425 S.W. 95h Ave.
Admission: $7 adults, $3 children.
Details: 503-412-818 or browse www.pdxreptileexpo.com.

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