CoastFest in SE GA - Experts Forum at VenomousReptiles.org

CoastFest in SE GA	Reply
by Buzztail1 on October 11, 2007	Mail this to a friend!
This past weekend I had the great pleasure of visiting with Johnny Hester and Mark Patterson. They were displaying many of Georgia's native reptiles and amphibians at the Annual CoastFest - a celebration of Georgia's natural resources held in Brunswick. As always, these two gentlemen had a fine display of some of the best looking captive animals I have ever seen. Johnny's natural setting cages provide an authentic looking backdrop for his incredible animals. If you ever get the opportunity to catch a show where he is displaying - do not miss it. Mark brings many of Georgia's beautiful nonvenomous snakes, turtles and even a young gator and spends countless hours trying to educate the public on these beautiful animals. I was honored to be asked to help them man their booth, share information with the public, and see these excellent specimens. If you live in Georgia, you no doubt live relatively close to one festival or another. Why not look into displaying your animals to share their beauty (and your knowledge) with your neighbors. Public education goes a long ways towards almost all of our goals listed in the "About the SHHS" link. Karl H. Betz

RE: CoastFest in SE GA	Reply
by RepFan on October 12, 2007	Mail this to a friend!
Karl, Sounds like it was a blast! I agree with getting out and educating people about reptiles at festivala and the like. Nice to hear Johnny and Mark are still out there getting the word out. I admire these two gentleman, their eagerness to always try to make a difference, and being such great stewards of or hobby/cause! Glad to hear you were able to help out as well Karl. Kudos to a job well done gentlemen. Hope to see you all soon at the Columbia show! Your Friend, Todd

RE: CoastFest in SE GA	Reply
by Cro on October 12, 2007	Mail this to a friend!
Karl, you are very right about the great job that Johnny Hester and Mark Patterson do in setting up educational repile exhibits. They both spend a lot of time moving a large number of heavy cages and animals for those exhibits. What folks do not realise is that they have to remove the snakes from the cages, bag the snakes, load the cages into a truck, go to the reptile show, set up the cages, unbag the snakes and put them into the cages, then spend the weekend answering folks questions. Then they have to take down the exhibit and do everything in reverse. It is a lot of work. It is a lot of effort that they are doing because they enjoy helping educate the public about snakes, they are not getting paid for their time. It is well worth looking for these fine folks anytime you have a chance to see one of the many exhibits they set up over the state each year ! Best Regards JohnZ

RE: CoastFest in SE GA	Reply
by herpboy on October 12, 2007	Mail this to a friend!
Karl, it is good to hear that you were able to meet up with Mark and Johnny. From what I have heard, it sounds that coast fest is a fun event. I would also like to add on to how much I appreciate the shows that Mark and Johnny put on. They go way out of their way to educate the public on the southeasts native reptiles and amphibians. Johnny has done more for educating the public on native venomous than anybody that I know. He has a real passion for these animals, and has some of the nicest displays for public viewing. I HIGHLY reccomend that anyone who gets a chance to see one of Johnny or Mark's displays to DO SO. You will be glad that you did. If everyone simply took the time to tell only a few people the facts about our native wildlife, then we just may save another snake or two from the pointy end of a shovel. Education really is the key to conservation. I guess we just need more people like Johnny out there:-) thanks, Bryan Hudson

RE: CoastFest in SE GA	Reply
by SwampY on October 12, 2007	Mail this to a friend!
Bryan is right, Johnny's awesome. Not only does he educate the heck out of people, he is one of the best field herpers I know. Next time you see me around a campfire ask me for some stories about herpin with him. lol. They are great.

RE: CoastFest in SE GA	Reply
by CrotalYES on October 12, 2007	Mail this to a friend!
I just want to repeat what's already been said. Johnny and Mark's displays/talks are excellent. Johnny maintains the biggest, healthiest and most robust rattlers I have ever seen in captivity. He needs to instruct zookeepers on proper feeding regimines and other aspects of herp care. Hats off to Johnny and Mark. Matt King

RE: CoastFest in SE GA	Reply
by Chris_Harper on October 12, 2007	Mail this to a friend!
Point of interest: "Hey, I built those cages that Johnny uses! He did all of the inside decor though." CH

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