Hey there, reptile fans! Gary here from Repterience. Can you feel it? That shift in the air, the smell of popcorn and cotton candy just starting to drift on the breeze, and the sound of distant carnival music? That’s right, Fair Season 2026 is officially on the horizon!
If you’ve been following us for a while, you know that while we love our private birthday parties and school assemblies, there is something absolutely electric about a county fair. It’s where the community comes together, and it’s where we get to do what we do best: bring the wild world of reptiles right to your fingertips.
Why do we love fairs so much? It’s more than just the deep-fried everything (though, let’s be honest, that’s a perk). It’s about the "Magic of the Interaction." There is nothing quite like the look on a child’s face, or even a skeptic adult’s face, when they realize that a snake isn't actually slimy, or when a tortoise decides to come over and say hello.
The Repterience Power Duo: Gary & Laura
Before we dive into our 2026 roadmap, let’s talk about the team. People often ask how we manage to keep so many animals happy and so many crowds engaged. The secret? It’s a two-person powerhouse.
I’m usually the guy you’ll see with a massive Burmese Python draped over my shoulders or a curious Tegu perched on my arm. My specialty lies in the world of scales and slither, snakes and lizards are my bread and butter. I love the fast-paced energy of explaining how a lizard’s tail works or why a snake flicking its tongue is just its way of saying "What’s for lunch?"
Then we have Laura. If I’m the "Snake Guy," Laura is undoubtedly the "Turtle Whisperer." She manages our incredible collection of turtles and tortoises. While I’m handling the high-energy reptiles, Laura creates these amazing, calm moments where kids can get eye-level with a tortoise that might be older than their grandparents!
Together, we provide a full-spectrum educational experience. We divide and conquer so that no matter what your favorite cold-blooded creature is, we’ve got someone expert-level ready to tell you all about it.
Why Fairs are the Ultimate Classroom
Have you ever tried to learn about animal biology from a textbook? It’s... fine. But have you ever felt the muscular ripple of a ten-foot snake as it moves? That’s a lesson you never forget!
Fairs are the perfect place for "Hands-On" learning because they remove the barriers of a traditional classroom. When we set up our "Reptile Village," we aren't just putting animals behind glass. We are inviting you into their world.
Science comes alive when you can see the iridescent shimmer on a lizard’s scales in the sunlight. It becomes real when you see a tortoise munching on a piece of lettuce and realize just how powerful those beak-like jaws are. This interactive approach is the heartbeat of Repterience. We believe that when you touch, see, and interact with an animal, you develop a respect for it that stays with you long after the fair gates close.
Dispelling the Myths (No, They Aren’t Slimy!)
One of my favorite things to do at a fair is to find the person standing ten feet back with their arms crossed and a look of pure "nope" on their face. You know the one!
My mission at every event is to turn that fear into fascination. We hear the myths every day: "Snakes are slimy," "Lizards are aggressive," or "Turtles are boring."
Spoiler alert: Snakes are actually dry and feel a bit like soft leather or cool smooth stones. Lizards have incredible personalities (some of our Tegus are basically scaly dogs!). And turtles? They are some of the most determined and interesting explorers in the animal kingdom.
When we get to debunk these myths in person, we aren't just teaching facts; we’re changing perspectives. We’re turning "I’m scared" into "Can I touch it?" and that, my friends, is where the magic happens. Check out our animal gallery to see some of the stars who will be helping us bust those myths this year.
Where to Find Us: The 2026 County Fair Tour
We are hitting the road hard this year! We’ve lined up some of our favorite county fair stops, and we can’t wait to see both new and familiar faces. Mark your calendars for these six key fairs where Repterience will be bringing the magic of reptiles, hands-on learning, and community connection:
1. Hennepin County Fair (MN)
We’re excited to bring Repterience to the Hennepin County Fair! County fairs have this amazing way of bringing everyone together, and that makes them the perfect place for reptile education. Families can wander over, ask questions, meet incredible animals up close, and leave with a brand-new perspective. That’s the kind of fair magic we love being part of!
2. Dane County Fair (WI)
Dane County Fair is exactly the kind of event we get excited about. Big community energy. Curious kids. Parents ready to see something different. This is where Gary and Laura really shine as a team, creating an experience that feels welcoming, interactive, and unforgettable. One minute you’re watching a crowd gather, and the next minute someone who was nervous is smiling with a reptile nearby. That transformation never gets old!
3. Rusk County Fair (WI)
We love county fairs because they create space for real connection, and Rusk County Fair is a perfect example of that. It’s not just about seeing reptiles from a distance. It’s about getting close enough to ask questions, notice details, and discover that these animals are far more fascinating than most people realize. Gary and Laura put in the extra effort to make every interaction feel personal, educational, and fun.
4. Houston County Fair (MN)
We’re crossing the border into Minnesota, and we’re thrilled to be part of the Houston County Fair! The atmosphere is classic, wholesome, and the perfect backdrop for a day of reptile education. This fair gives us the chance to share what Repterience is all about: hands-on moments, myth-busting conversations, and a welcoming space where the whole community can learn together.
5. Oconto County Youth Fair (WI)
Back in Wisconsin, we’re also looking forward to the Oconto County Youth Fair! There’s something especially fun about a fair that brings young people and families together around learning, community, and a little bit of wow-factor. We love creating those moments where kids light up, adults lean in with questions, and everyone leaves feeling like they just discovered something awesome.
6. Sheboygan County Fair (WI)
Sheboygan County Fair is another stop we’re really excited about! County fairs have a kind of energy you just can’t fake, the food, the exhibits, the crowds, the laughter, all of it. Add reptiles into the mix, and suddenly you’ve got an experience people talk about long after the fair is over. That’s what Gary and Laura aim for every time: a casual, welcoming, hands-on experience that feels equal parts fun and unforgettable.
Making Science Stick
At the end of the day, our goal at these fairs is to provide more than just entertainment. We want to spark a lifelong interest in wildlife and conservation. When a child learns about the habitat of a tortoise at our booth, they aren't just memorizing data, they are connecting with a living creature.
We see it all the time: a kid walks away from our exhibit talking about how cool the "Tegu twins" were, and suddenly they want to read books about South American rainforests. That’s how we make science come alive. We use the "cool factor" of our animals to sneak in some really valuable biology and ecology lessons.
Join the Adventure!
We are so incredibly excited for this upcoming season. Every fair is a new opportunity to meet people, share our passion, and maybe, just maybe, help someone fall in love with reptiles for the first time.
If you’re planning on visiting any of the fairs mentioned above, please come by and say hi! We love hearing from people who have followed us online. And hey, if you can’t make it to a fair but want the "Repterience" at your own event, we’re always booking private workshops and parties.
The 2026 season is going to be our biggest and best one yet. We’ve got new animals joining the team, new stories to tell, and a whole lot of scales to show off.
See you at the fairgrounds!
Stay Scaly,
Gary & The Repterience Team
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