Two weekend shows helped bring back some normalcy to the Richard M. Borchard Fairgrounds.
Staff and vendors at the facility said they saw an economic boost by hosting two shows at the same time this weekend with restrictions in place.
“We travel all over the country, and do these shows and meet new people and customers and things like that,” said Shawn Gray, director of the HERPS Exotic & Pet Show.
The weekend included educational aspects for many visitors who stopped by the fairgrounds at the exotic pets show and the Saxet Gun Show
“A lot of the guys, especially even us, this is how we support and feed our families,” says Gray.
Vendors of the two shows say they were excited to show visitors what they have to offer.
“We get lots of questions about our animals," said Amanda Terry, director of rehabilitation for the Texas Sealife Center.
While the pandemic continues, extra sanitation stations were in place along with social distancing regulations and everyone was required to wear a mask.
“It’s great to be back out we’re doing it the right way," Terry said. "Everybody has got mask, everybody has got hand sanitizer, we're all distancing and it’s nice to be able to get out and show what we do."
The double-show event was the first time the facility that each show participated at 50 percent capacity.
“Having everything locked down, especially events where we expect between 3,000-4,000 people in a weekend, and it's been cut in half almost," Gray said. "But the people who are coming need to come and get supplies and feeders. That’s why we’re considered essential pet retai."