Repticon Baltimore Spotlight

Lisa Parker

Hey everyone! Welcome back to the Repticon Reptile Shows Podcast. I'm Lisa, and as always, I'm joined by Jay, Michael, and Guy. Today we're putting the spotlight on Repticon Baltimore—happening January 17th and 18th, 2026. That's right at the Timonium Fairgrounds, and honestly, I already feel the music in the air thinking about it. Putting together an expo like this, it's a lot like—well, for me, it's like wrangling a musical ensemble: you’ve got your vendors, your animals, the guests—everyone’s gotta be in sync so families can just walk in and have the best time.

Guy Mc Farlane

I love that analogy, Lisa! And what I truly appreciate about Repticon Baltimore is how the event covers all the bases for any level of reptile passion. Some folks are new, some are veteran keepers, but everyone’s welcome. Hands-on encounters are a major part of it—you just see people light up when they can get close to these animals. There’s always plenty of opportunity for new questions and discovery.

Michael Arnold

Yeah, absolutely. And what’s unique about this show is, it's very intentionally designed for all ages. You know, my boys have been to plenty of reptile events and this expo in particular always seems to have something for everyone. The education sessions are always full of energy. Whether it’s a talk from a breeder, or a Q&A session with a local specialist, it’s... it’s that chance for real back-and-forth. It’s never just a lecture. Plus, with the layout at Timonium Fairgrounds, you get this really lively, but somehow very family-friendly, vibe.

Jay Tacey

And you know, building on what we experienced in previous expos—like how ReptiDay Port Charlotte or Trussville had those moments where community and learning came together—Baltimore keeps that flame going. You get to meet local breeders, real specialists, folks who've put in years caring for and understanding these animals. Every year, I watch—the shyest kid turns into the loudest question-asker after a single hands-on session. Where else does that happen, really?

Lisa Parker

Yes! And if anyone’s worried about feeling out of place? Don’t be. We work so hard, behind the curtains, making sure the flow is smooth—from the schedule to who you'll find at every booth—so even if you decide at the last minute to show up, you’ll be welcomed and included. Where was I going with this? Oh, right—the whole thing just comes together like a good setlist, and every year, it sounds a little different in the best way.

Jay Tacey

Alright Lisa, that brings us to one of the booths at Baltimore that I get genuinely excited about every single time—Royal Kaleidoscope Chameleons. If you haven't met them yet, they're a Frederick-based, family-run breeder specializing in panther chameleons. I'm talking Ambilobe, Nosy Be, Ambanja, even hybrid locales. What sets them apart for me is just how vibrant and health-focused their animals are—their captive-bred lines are remarkable.

Michael Arnold

Yeah, and they’ve built such a positive rep in our hobby. The way they present at shows is almost, well... artistic. Their resin and wood art, all handcrafted—it spices up their booth. I see them interact with both longtime keepers and total newcomers with the same kind of enthusiasm. The families are always drawn in by the colors, and their reviews are always stellar. If you’re looking for a friendly, approachable experience—not just to buy, but to actually learn—this is the table to visit.

Lisa Parker

It's beautiful to watch, honestly. Jay, I know you always gravitate there. Didn’t you have that one moment a couple years back—there was an Ambilobe that just about stopped foot traffic?

Jay Tacey

Oh, yeah, I remember exactly—It was electric. You had kids, grown-ups, even security staff, just caught staring at this chameleon for a solid minute. You could see the spark—it’s those moments, right? That’s why these expos matter. Kids seeing a living rainbow, adults asking “wait, do they really change like that?” I always hope one of those kids goes home and decides, yeah, reptiles are going to be their thing for life. That’s the kind of impact you want out of a show.

Guy Mc Farlane

I’ll also add—with Royal Kaleidoscope, it’s not just the animals, it’s the openness. Their buyers talk about great communication and healthy chameleons, especially at expos like this one. Combining education and creativity is their edge. They offer advice, care tips, and they make chameleon keeping accessible without making it seem daunting.

Michael Arnold

And from a husbandry perspective, their bloodlines and approach are really solid. Especially if you’re starting with chameleons, it helps to get guidance from folks who clearly care. For a lot of people, this blend of artistic branding and experienced breeding makes a difference—you see it in their reviews and the repeat crowd at their booth every year.

Lisa Parker

We’ve also gotta give a nod this year to two vendors who keep things extra interesting on the show floor—Ophelia, The Monster and Solstice Royals. These are the kinds of booths where families crowd in and suddenly you hear little bursts of “Woah!” and “Is that real?”

Michael Arnold

Let’s start with Ophelia, The Monster—Heather’s jumping spider empire. She’s kind of a local legend. There’s something about the way she presents her spiders; I mean, even folks who walk up thinking, “no way, never,” usually leave with a smile and maybe even a spider care sheet. Her preference is for live, local adoptions, and you see her connecting with every age group. Her Instagram and TikTok are full of updates and funny reels—it makes spiders approachable, which I never thought I’d say about Phidippus!

Jay Tacey

I can back that up. It takes a special gift to get people genuinely interested in spiders—especially in a setting packed with snakes and lizards—but Heather manages it with creative branding and real personal touch. Her feedback is consistently about healthy, well-cared-for spiders and personable service. She prefers hands-on interactions at expos, just like the old school days. That’s beneficial for the animals and the people picking them out.

Guy Mc Farlane

Totally agree. Jumping spiders are such charismatic little animals—and Heather makes sure any family, even if they’re totally new to inverts, feels welcome. You see the kids asking “what do they eat,” and Heather’s right there sharing care advice, even popping out phone videos to explain stuff. It's community education working in real time.

Lisa Parker

And side by side with all that spider energy, you’ve got Solstice Royals from Annapolis. They’re a dual focus breeder—offering both ball pythons and African soft-furred rats. I mean, for keepers, that’s a game changer: get your pet and its feeder all at once, with care advice for both. Solstice Royals also engages directly with the hobby through MorphMarket forums and podcasts—they’re pretty active in real hobby discussions, not just at the table.

Michael Arnold

Yeah, Solstice’s booth always seems to have at least one parent or first-timer who’s...kinda nervous, right? I remember a Baltimore show maybe two years ago. I was talking with a mom and her teenage son—they were looking at ball pythons for the first time, clearly a bit apprehensive about the feeding side. I walked them through the basics, had Kael from Solstice step in and break down the difference between live and pre-killed, what the rats eat, how the feeder routines work. Thirty minutes later, they were taking selfies with the python and asking about color morphs. There’s something special about seeing nervousness turn into genuine excitement.

Jay Tacey

That’s a recurring joy at shows like Baltimore. Solstice Royals builds comfort for new keepers; experienced hobbyists appreciate the integrated feeder options—plus, you get super-accessible advice from a hands-on local breeder, which removes a lot of guesswork. You don’t just get an animal, you get the whole “how-to” primer.

Guy Mc Farlane

That’s what keeps our community growing: experts sharing support out in public—not hidden on a website or in a care guide you have to track down. It’s a lesson we see across the board at Repticon shows—trust, approachability, and education all drive the hobby forward. Anything else, we’d just be a trade show, not a family show.

Lisa Parker

I couldn’t have put it better. Whether you’re coming for the colors, the education, or just to dream up your next addition, Repticon Baltimore is where you’ll find those transformative moments. So that’s a wrap for today’s episode—thanks for sharing your memories and insights, everyone! We’ll have plenty more spotlights and good stories in the weeks ahead.

Jay Tacey

Always a pleasure, Lisa. Thanks, team—and see you all in Baltimore. Until next time!

Michael Arnold

Yeah, thanks everyone. Can’t wait for the next show, and for all those questions and new faces out there. Bye all!

Guy Mc Farlane

Take care, folks. Thanks for tuning in—cheers, everyone!