I have taken my snakes out in public, usually to the local festivals. I do it in a responsible way, and I do it ONLY to help expose people to snakes in a positive manner.
I have had people react to a snake in the traditional "OMG!" fashion. But even most of those end up going "Can I see it? Can I touch it? Can I hold it?" once they get a closer look. I have seen a great many people who walk away from seeing one of my ball pythons with a whole new appreciation of reptile pets.
They see the snake and go "Eww! OMG!"
They leave the snake going "That was cool!"

Is that bad? No. Would I reccomend people run around with their snakes in public? No.
If you just want to take your snake out to see people freak, then DON'T!!!
If you think your snake would enjoy being in a new exciting environment, DON'T!!!
But if you can handle doing it in a very responsible manner, than exposing the public to a pet reptile in a fashion that makes them realize that snakes are pets, and harmless, is not a bad thing.