This is an annual event very similar to Reptile Realms (a different reptile fest that happens at multiple locations in and around the bay area throughout the year)... plenty of snakes, skinks, geckos, chameleons, and more on display or for sale, along with habitats and other reptile supplies, and reptile-related merchandise (like toys, stickers, and apparel).
Also, photo ops for five bucks if you want to hold a snake, presentations and speakers at different times (educating and entertaining visitors both on and off stage), and a concessions stand selling burgers, hot dogs, salads, and nachos among other things, and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages (dining tables and seating were outdoors though, even with the cold of winter).
A few things I saw here that I haven't seen much of at the other reptile fests are rats as pets (usually only see them sold as food for reptiles), bats (several different species, which was cool to see up close), beautiful carnivorous plants, spider homes (creatively and playfully decorated), and yellow shelled turtles (albino, I believe). We also saw a lot more turtles and tortoises here than expected, especially during the final hours of the last day of the event.
We didn't find the specific soil we wanted for our tortoise at home, as they had run out by the end of the event. But the vendors were friendly and helpful, offering future discounts at their actual store, and teaching us about their products as well as the general recommendations for certain species. So we learned a lot while there, and didn't go home empty-handed. We puchased a 3D backdrop for our tortoise habitat... saw one of the tortoises at the show with this and just had to get our own... so now our tortoise lives in the desert :D
Event parking sucked! I've never had a problem with the lots at Alameda County Fairgrounds (for different types of events), but this was the worst. At $15 per vehicle, the parking design for this event was nonsensical (and they blocked off certain areas to make sure you followed this nonsense), I saw many cars getting stuck in narrow dead ends while looking for parking, going in reverse or making 10-point turns, and obviously interrupting the flow of traffic.
That being said, this was still a fun event, nothing really extraordinary, but worth checking out especially if you are into reptiles or looking for a new cold-blooded pet. read more