|
1-9 of 9 messages
|
Page 1 of 1
|
|
Reptile Rampage draws 1,400...(Good job, Rob)!
|
Reply
|
|
by Time on March 18, 2010
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
http://www.pioneerlocal.com/lakeforest/news/2105579,lake-forest-reptiles-031810-s1.article
March 18, 2010
By LINDA BLASER lblaser@pioneerlocal.com
Lake Forest's annual Reptile Rampage at the Lake Forest Recreation Center hit the 10-year mark on Sunday and Rob Carmichael, for one, can't believe it.
With 80 exhibitors and more than 1,400 visitors, Carmichael would like to expand the Wildlife Discovery Center (WDC) event to two days as it enters its second decade next year.
"We could really make it a huge event," said Carmichael, the WDC curator.
At the end of the day, Carmichael said he wasn't surprised by the attendance levels at "the highlight of the year" for the WDC, "but I'm real happy. It's getting bigger every year."
When Reptile Rampage started in 2000, Carmichael said he never would have guessed then it would have lasted a decade and grown to become a big draw for the city. But he couldn't have foretold the rise in popularity of reptiles "both as pets and as a general curiosity and an increased awareness for conservation and education" among both children and adults.
Ten years after its inception, the second Sunday in March is permanently inked as Reptile Rampage on family's calendars, along with birthdays, anniversaries and other not-to-be-missed events.
"This has become such a big event in the city," Carmichael said.
Reptile Rampage is an annual outing for the McKeon family of Lake Forest.
"We come every year," said mom Carole as she watched her 6-year-old son Mark sitting quietly holding a bearded dragon. "It's a wonderful family tradition. I think it's a wonderful event. It's amazing so many creatures can be in one location."
Mark appeared completely at home holding the bearded dragon, which he described as having "pointy skin."
Of all the reptiles at the show, from tiny salamanders to snakes as thick as a sprinter's thigh, Mark said he liked just one animal best.
"My favorite? The milk snake," he smiled
|
| |
|
RE: Reptile Rampage draws 1,400...(Good job, Rob)!
|
Reply
|
|
by FSB on March 19, 2010
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
Thumbs up, Rob. Wish I could have been there. Your beautiful Echis coloratus looks very nice in her new display, and I've been busy creating a gallery for small venomous snakes this week that will include the baby timber and the dusky.
|
| |
|
RE: Reptile Rampage draws 1,400...(Good job, Rob)!
|
Reply
|
|
by KingCobraFan on March 20, 2010
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
Great that your show has taken off like it has, Rob! Will try hard to make next year's.
|
| |
|
RE: Reptile Rampage draws 1,400...(Good job, Rob)!
|
Reply
|
|
by ssshane on March 23, 2010
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
Way to go Rob! I have a short list (its getting longer) of reptiles destinations I want to visit, and the WDC is on the list. I hope when that day comes, we can actually meet in person. Job well done!!!!
|
| |
|
RE: Reptile Rampage draws 1,400...(Good job, Rob)!
|
Reply
|
|
by Rob_Carmichael on March 24, 2010
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
|
The final numbers show that we actually had 2000 guests that day which was incredible for a small event like this. Thanks for all of the compliments and if anyone is coming through Chicago swing by and I'll give you the red carpet tour!
|
| |
|
RE: Reptile Rampage draws 1,400...(Good job, Rob)!
|
Reply
|
|
by lanceheads on March 24, 2010
|
Mail this to a friend!
|
Great attendance Rob!
Congrats! Let's hope it will be even bigger next time, when the word of mouth gets out!
Randal
|
| |
|
Email Subscription
You are not subscribed to this topic.
Subscribe!
My Subscriptions
Subscriptions Help
Check our help page for help using
, or send questions, comments, or suggestions to the
Manager.
|
