Scott Peterson, known as “Reptile Man,” put on a fascinating display of snakes and reptiles last month to audiences of Evergreen Elementary School students, staff members and families.

“The Reptile Man called me at school and asked if we would like a free, donated assembly,” Evergreen Office Manager Betty McCord said. “He would come to our school with his animals and present two shows, one during the school day for all the students, and one show in the evening for families.”

What a deal!

Evergreen’s vivacious principal, Jacque Crisman, gave the go-ahead, and, bingo! It happened.
Peterson arrived with an almost inexhaustible array of Rubbermaid ventilated boxes in a variety of sizes and set things up in the school’s gymnasium, which doubles as its auditorium and lunchroom.

I missed the daytime show, but it obviously was well-received, because the evening show was filled wall-to-wall with parents, siblings and the enthusiastic kids who had enjoyed the show earlier in the day.

“The experience was great for our students, families and staff,” Evergreen P.E. teacher Tessa Tallariti said. “We are very grateful to Mr. Peterson for donating the assembly to our school.”

Third-grader Draco Hone said the show was “cool.”

“It was funny when the snapping turtle did a dance,” Hone said.

“Mr. Peterson explained how snakes eat mice and rats,” preschool teacher Mary Tyler said. “They are the perfect pest controllers and a part of the ecological balance of our world. It was a wonderful learning experience for our students.”

While he displayed his treasure trove of reptiles one after another to the entranced audience, Peterson rummaged in a large box, apparently exerting himself with a recalcitrant beast, then brusquely leaped back in apparent fear as two long black snake-like “creatures” leapt from the box, causing screams from a thoroughly conned crowd of spectators.

The “creatures” were spring-loaded sleeves of black fabric.

Lemme tell you, it got our attention!

First-grader Ally Fredericksen said she loved the Reptile Man.

“The pretend black mamba made me jump and scream,” she said. “It was fun.”

“I like seeing the big yellow snake with the white eyes,” second-grader Jade Miller said. “I learned that if you keep messing with a black mamba, you will get bit.”

To fifth-grader Dylan Fritcher, “The Reptile Man was pretty cool. I liked all the animals he brought. I learned not to mess with venomous snakes.”

Evergreen Office Assistant Sue Surratt said it was a great show.

“The Reptile Man’s visit removed fear from our students and staff by exhibiting the importance and purpose of reptiles,” she said.

But don’t expect to see me wearing a boa as a neckpiece, OK?

Hugh McMillan is a longtime freelance writer for The Peninsula Gateway. He can be reached at 253-884-3319 or by email at hmcmnp1000@centurytel.net.