MARS: The Mid-Atlantic Reptile Show is a non-profit 501(C)(3) organization (MARS Preservation Fund, Inc.) that is dedicated to education, the promotion of captive breeding of reptiles and amphibians, and the protection of critical habitats through land purchase. All proceeds from MARS are used to purchase and protect rainforest in Costa Rica. We have purchased and protected almost 3,000 acres so far!
MARS takes place annually at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium, Maryland (just north of Baltimore) and will be held this year on September 18th and 19th, 2010. This will be our 18th year!
At the Show, captive-born reptiles and amphibians will be on display and for sale Saturday and Sunday 10am to 5 pm. Also available will be equipment, books, souvenirs, supplies, educational exhibits, door prizes, raffles, artwork, facepainting, and more available for the attendees. A children’s art display of rainforest-related pieces adorn the back wall. There will also be a photo presentation of the native herpetofauna of Maryland, and a rolling slideshow of Tim's visit to the Rainforests of Costa Rica.
Friday night after vendor set-up, “Reptiles” Magazine will host an icebreaker in the Vista Room in the adjoining building next door to the main hall. There will be food, drinks, plus plenty of stories and schmoozing with fellow reptile enthusiasts.
We are excited to announce that International Amphibian Days (IAD) returns to MARS this year, and will be hosting a FREE Lecture Series at the Holiday Inn right after the icebreaker on Friday night. IAD's speakers will be Evan Twomey and Robert Hill. More info on our Guest Speakers here: http://midatlanticreptileshow.org/GuestSpeakers.html
Saturday evening is our very popular MARS Preservation Fund Auction to benefit Rainforest Conservation. It is always a highlight of the show, with plenty good times and great deals for an awesome cause. Our Guest Auctioneers will be The Limey Bastard and Jeff Galewood, so it is sure to become quite... um, colorful. This event has a PG-13 rating, so bring children at your own discretion. Finger foods will be provided, plus heartier fare may be purchased through GT Roadsters Catering. You won't want to miss it!
Since 1993 the show has been very successful in many ways. Building our partnerships with the Department of Natural Resources, the National Aquarium in Baltimore and many other groups has proven that this show is much more than a reptile show. Please join us and help make MARS 2010 another success.
Thank you to all of the vendors, attendees, hard working volunteers and the many sponsors of MARS. We couldn't do this without you!
~ Tim Hoen, MARS Founder
