Salisbury Showdown! Meet the Must-See Vendors at Repticon Salisbury

Jay Tacey

Alright, folks, welcome back to Repticon Reptile Shows! I'm Jay Tacey, and today we're gearing up for the Salisbury Showdown—Repticon Salisbury, August 16th and 17th, at the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center. This is one of those weekends you circle on your calendar, right? Family-friendly, tons of animals, and honestly, just a blast for everyone from hardcore herpers to folks who just wanna see something cool with the kids.

Lisa Parker

Absolutely, Jay! And you know, as someone who's been behind the curtain at a lot of these shows, Salisbury always brings out the best in people. The energy is just... contagious. I mean, we’ve got activities for all ages, hands-on encounters, and the vendors are so welcoming. I still remember last year, a little girl came up to me with a kazoo—no joke, she wanted to start a parade through the vendor hall. I may or may not have joined in. It’s those moments that make it special.

Michael Arnold

Lisa, you and your kazoo, I swear. But you’re right, it’s the vibe. And for anyone who’s never been, the Wicomico Civic Center is a great spot—plenty of space, easy parking, and you can really take your time exploring. Plus, you never know what you’ll find. I mean, last time I walked out with a gecko I didn’t even plan on buying. Classic, right?

Guy Mc Farlane

That’s the beauty of these expos, Michael. There’s always something unexpected. And, you know, coming from a conservation background, I love seeing families get excited about reptiles and exotics. It’s not just about the animals—it’s about sparking curiosity and respect for wildlife. Jay, you’ve got a story from your Discovery Cove days, don’t you?

Jay Tacey

Oh, yeah, I do. So, when we opened Discovery Cove, the buzz was unreal. People were just so excited to see animals up close, and that’s the same energy I get at Repticon. There’s this moment when a kid sees a bearded dragon for the first time, or someone holds a snake and realizes, “Hey, this isn’t scary, it’s actually amazing.” That’s what keeps me coming back. And Salisbury’s got that magic, every single year.

Lisa Parker

Speaking of magic, let’s talk vendors. Sun and Moon Dragons—these folks are legends. Veteran family breeders, and their bearded dragons? Gorgeous. We’re talking Red Monster, Zero, Witblits, Citrus... and they really care about making healthy, affordable dragons for everyone, whether you’re a first-timer or a serious collector.

Michael Arnold

Yeah, and they’re super approachable. I’ve seen them spend half an hour with a family, just answering questions, making sure people know what they’re getting into. That’s what you want in a breeder, right? Someone who’s not just selling you a lizard, but making sure you’re set up for success.

Jay Tacey

Exactly. And you know, with bearded dragons, you can actually do a lot with training. I’ve used operant conditioning—basically, positive reinforcement—to teach them simple behaviors. It’s not just dogs that can learn! It’s a great way to bond and keep your dragon mentally stimulated. I always tell folks, don’t underestimate what a reptile can do.

Guy Mc Farlane

And then there’s The Waving Axolotl. Now, axolotls are fascinating—these are not your average aquarium pets. They’re critically endangered in the wild, so ethical breeding is really important. What sets them apart is their ability to regenerate limbs, and their neotenic features—they stay in their larval form their whole lives. It’s like having a living science experiment in your home, but in the best way.

Lisa Parker

Plus, they’re just adorable. I mean, those little smiles? Come on. But you’re right, Guy, it’s crucial to get them from someone who knows what they’re doing. The Waving Axolotl is all about ethical breeding, and they’re happy to walk you through care, water quality, all that good stuff.

Jay Tacey

And for anyone wondering, axolotls aren’t just cool to look at—they’re a great way to get kids interested in conservation. You can talk about habitat loss, what’s happening in Mexico, and why captive breeding matters. It’s a pet with a story, you know?

Michael Arnold

Alright, let’s shift gears to snakes—specifically, Peak City Pythons. These guys are all about captive-bred pythons, and honestly, they’re a hit at every show. Ball pythons, in particular, are perfect for beginners and advanced keepers alike. They’re manageable, beautiful, and there’s a morph for everyone.

Guy Mc Farlane

I agree, Michael. Captive-bred pythons are a great choice because you know their health history, and you’re not impacting wild populations. Plus, Peak City Pythons really takes the time to educate buyers. That’s something we’ve talked about in previous episodes—responsible breeders make all the difference.

Lisa Parker

And pythons just never go out of style at expos. There’s always a crowd around their booth. I remember at Repticon Raleigh, we had a whole group of first-timers just mesmerized by the colors and patterns. It’s like a living art show.

Michael Arnold

Oh, and I gotta share this—so, at ReptilesExpress, I once had a customer who called in a panic because their new python wouldn’t eat. Turns out, they were just overthinking it. Sometimes, you just gotta give the snake a little time to settle in. We got them sorted, but it’s a reminder: ask questions! Don’t be shy.

Jay Tacey

That’s a great point, Michael. If you’re talking to a python breeder, ask about feeding schedules, temperament, and what morphs might be best for your experience level. And for first-time buyers—don’t rush. Take your time, get to know the animal, and make sure you’re ready for the commitment. It’s not just a purchase, it’s a relationship.

Guy Mc Farlane

And don’t forget to ask about post-sale support. Good breeders will help you long after you leave the expo. That’s what makes the community so strong—people helping people, and making sure the animals thrive.

Lisa Parker

Alright, so if you’re planning to come to Repticon Salisbury, a little prep goes a long way. I always tell folks—check out the vendor list ahead of time, maybe even schedule a meeting if there’s a breeder you really want to talk to. It helps you make the most of your visit, especially if you’re looking for something specific.

Jay Tacey

Yeah, and do your homework on the animals you’re interested in. Research care requirements, and jot down questions. Bring a notebook, maybe a carrier if you’re thinking about bringing home a new friend. And don’t forget water and snacks—expo days can be long!

Michael Arnold

And for first-timers, don’t be afraid to talk to vendors. Most of them love sharing their knowledge. Just be respectful—ask before handling animals, and listen to their advice. Oh, and hand sanitizer. Trust me, you’ll want it.

Guy Mc Farlane

Safety’s key, too. Watch for signs about animal handling, and keep an eye on kids—there’s a lot to see, and it can get busy. But honestly, it’s one of the safest, most welcoming environments you’ll find. And this year, we’ve got some exclusive previews—special demonstrations, new vendor booths, and maybe a surprise or two. So, keep your eyes peeled!

Lisa Parker

We’ll be sharing more sneak peeks as we get closer, so stay tuned. Salisbury’s shaping up to be one of the best shows yet, and we can’t wait to see everyone there. Any last words, team?

Jay Tacey

Just—come ready to learn, meet new people, and maybe fall in love with a new species. That’s what Repticon’s all about.

Michael Arnold

And if you see us, say hi! We love meeting listeners. Thanks for tuning in, everybody.

Guy Mc Farlane

Take care, everyone. See you at Salisbury—bring your questions and your curiosity!

Lisa Parker

Bye, y’all! Don’t forget your kazoo. See you at the show!