From Schisler Communications
Photo courtesy of rigel on Unsplash
Reptiles are returning to one of the hobby’s most storied venues. On Saturday, April 4, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Reptile and Exotic Animal Expo will bring breeders, vendors, educators, collectors, families, and curious first-timers to the Hamburg Field House for a one-day event featuring non-venomous reptiles, exotic animals, specialty vendors, expert access — and yes, some venomous snakes too!
For longtime reptile keepers, Hamburg is more than just another show location. The Hamburg Field House has long been associated with reptile expos and remains a place with deep roots in the reptile community. After the original show moved away, it left a real gap for hobbyists, vendors, and families who had made a tradition of coming there year after year.
Now, the Reptile and Exotic Animal Expo is bringing that energy back.
The show is being led by Ian Gniazdowski of Outback Reptiles and Vickie Dachiu of Dachiu Dragons, with Leann Pannell also helping lead event operations. Their goal is to bring a high-quality reptile show back to a venue that already means something to the people who love this hobby.
“The Hamburg Fieldhouse has meant a lot to reptile keepers for decades,” said Ian Gniazdowski, owner of Outback Reptiles. “It’s one of those places people grew up coming to, and there’s a lot of history there. I’m excited to bring a show back to a venue that’s been so important to the community and give people a reason to come back together again.”
The expo is expected to attract serious reptile enthusiasts and breeders, but organizers say that is only part of the appeal. Events like this also draw families, kids, and people who simply want to experience the atmosphere, see unusual animals up close, and learn from knowledgeable experts in person.
The event will feature access to breeders, vendors, reptile care products, enclosures, feeders, specialty supplies, and educational opportunities — including experts who can speak with media about reptiles, exotic animal care, and the culture of the hobby. Attendees can expect a wide variety of animals, from popular pet species and family-friendly favorites to more unusual and advanced-interest reptiles, including venomous snakes.
“These shows give people the opportunity to purchase a pet directly from the breeder rather than going through a big-box pet store,” said Mike Schultz, a longtime reptile vendor and promoter. “You get more knowledge, better prices, and direct access to expert advice. It’s also a great place to find supplies all in one spot and talk to people who really know the animals.”
Schultz said the return to Hamburg carries real meaning for people who have been part of the reptile community for years.
“I’ve been both attending and vending the Hamburg expo for almost 20 years,” Schultz said. “I’m so excited to see a show return to the original location where I’ve had so many memories and fun times meeting fellow reptile keepers, engaging in person with long-term online customers, and picking up new pets of my own.”
The return of a reptile show to Hamburg is expected to resonate well beyond longtime hobbyists. Organizers say the event is about reconnecting a community, re-establishing Hamburg as a destination with deep roots in the hobby, and creating a fresh new experience in a venue that already has a loyal following.
For more information, visit reptile-expos.com.
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