MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — About 50 vendors were at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center over the weekend to show off their slithery creatures at the Ultimate National Reptile Show.
The event allowed those who attended to learn about various species from around the world. Dinosaur costumes, snakes, turtles, and even bearded dragons took center stage, flaunting their fun colors and different shapes and sizes.
Lamar Blackson, owner of Status Quo Reptiles, said he has been interested in reptiles his entire life and wants to show that not all of them are scary.
“Showing off guys like Cheeto. Cheeto is a Burmese python,” Blackson said. “He’s 7 years old, good guy, loves people, an awesome animal. Pepper Jack is a dwarf caiman. She’s about 7 years old, another sweetheart that we own, She’s another one that is good with kids, friendly. She’s just awesome to be around.”
Another reptile owner, Ricardo Morales, shared his unique story about how he got into the business.
“I started when I was 16 years old, and I’m 66 now,” Morales said. “I went to an Alice Cooper concert, and he came out with a big boa on his shoulder. After that, it’s been nothing but snakes for me for my whole life.”