The Second Reptile Day at the Fairbanks was once again a smash hit. Organized with the dedicated assistance of Amy Hankins, the Reference/Maps Associate for the MSU Libraries, and held last Saturday at the Fairbanks School as part of the Northwest Project, the event was attended by 313 people, and was staffed by 17 reptile enthusiasts. The Northwest Project is a partnership led by the Drew Lewis Foundation, Missouri State University, and Drury University, with generous support from the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, the Stanley & Elaine Ball Foundation, and the Musgrave Foundation. The goal of the Northwest Project is to develop and test strategies to help families overcome the challenges of poverty, and to sustain their long-term success in emerging from those circumstances.

Over thirty types of animals were in attendance as well, including a 9.5 foot, forty pound Burmese Python, several Ball Pythons, Pixie Frogs, “Tie-Dyed” Iguanas, Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches and several native Missouri snakes. Many people made it a point to stop by and make comments. One lady who was there with her grand kids was thrilled that there was something like this to expose them to, and wished there had been something like this when she was a kid. Many people overcame their fear of snakes as well, and walked away having learned quite a lot of information about these animals. Everyone enjoyed the event, and several attendees asked if there would be more events like this. It was a great day!