On Saturday, October 4, we made history with our largest ribbon cutting to date at the highly anticipated Grand Opening of LegaSea Aquarium & The Reptarium in Utica! Hosted in partnership with AnimalConUSA and held on World Animal Day, this unforgettable event honored the legacy of Brian Barczyk while introducing Michigan to its newest indoor interactive aquarium and reptile zoo.

The Southeast Michigan Chamber of Commerce was proud to officially open the doors alongside more than 100 Chamber members in attendance — a powerful show of support from our business community. The morning kicked off with VIP check-in, behind-the-scenes access, and the ribbon cutting ceremony, which drew widespread attention from local leaders, content creators, and media outlets. This was more than just a photo op — it was a heartfelt celebration of one man’s vision and the community that helped make it a reality.

A Full Day of Celebration and Discovery

After the ribbon was cut, the doors opened to the public and the day unfolded with live animal encounters, interactive exhibits, and family-friendly fun. Visitors experienced a packed schedule that included presentations with reticulated pythons, stingrays, alligators, and more. Outside, the Front Lot Family Fun Zone was buzzing with circus acts, games, face painting, giveaways, and photo ops.

As a nonprofit partner in this milestone event, the Chamber applauds the vision behind LegaSea and the continued commitment to community, education, and conservation that it represents. From the Utica Scavenger Hunt Adventure to the exclusive LegaSea After Dark afterparty, every element of the day was crafted to inspire curiosity and connection.

Thank you again to the LegaSea team, the Barczyk family, our Chamber members, and the hundreds of guests who helped make this one for the record books.