Lauren Baronoski, Merriman Park Elementary first grader, wears a crown of ball pythons with the help of The Snake Man.

I have a new hero. First grader Lauren Baronoski volunteered to touch a snake at a recent event hosted by the Merriman Park PTA. They invited Daryl Sprout (AKA The Snake Man) to give a show and educate students and their parents about different types of snakes and reptiles. By the time the “Herpetological Humorist” was finished, little Lauren had ball pythons swirled around her head and neck and she was grinning from ear to ear.

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Sprout’s mission is to educate audiences and dispel myths about snakes, and he uses magic and comedy to keep the kids engaged and involved. For many, it was the first time to hear “Red on yellow, kill a fellow; red on black, you’re alright Jack” and memorable other techniques for distinguishing between venomous and harmless snakes.

Daryl Sprout delighted MPE audiences with his educational snake show.

Sprout brought snakes of various sizes from all over the world, including a ball python, albino ball python, garter snake and fake coral snake. And, shhh, don’t tell the kids it was educational.

When Sprout had to call for extra help, he had plenty of volunteers.