Bring home a treasure from the national Gem and Mineral show next weekend
By Nelson Daily Editor
By Linda Barber, Kokanee Rock Club
If you are interested in rocks, gems, fossils, minerals, crystals, jewelery, geology, geodes, prospecting and anything to do with rocks, then this two-day event next weekend is a must see.
The Gem and Mineral Federation of Canada is having a show in Castlegar at the Castlegar and District Community Complex, from Saturday, June 4 from 10 a.m. till 5 p.m., and on Sunday, June 5 from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m.
Young, old, amateur and professional rockhounds will find a treasure to bring home and learn something new. During this time the GMFC members come from across Canada to meet, hold their annual general meeting and the show.
This is the 33rd annual event and the Kootenay region is hosting the event for the first time in 20 years.
There will be dealers bringing treasures and displays from near and far, with some local favourites such as Sahara Minerals from Silverton, Bedazzled from Creston, Love of Shiva Boutique and Banjara Imports of Nelson, to name just a few, will be there.
As well, there will be dealers from Vancouver with prospecting equipment, jewelry findings, finished products and interesting specimens.
The B.C. Lapidary Society will be in attendance with their library of books for sale having to do with all things pertaining to Rocks and Geology.
Selkirk College will be there to help you identify your rocks, so bring your favorite rocks to Castlegar and ask the Geology professor and students to help you identify your rock.
There also be a geode cutter and geodes so people can select and purchase one they think looks most intriguing and it will be cut open to reveal, for the first time ever, the wonders to behold hidden inside.
The weekend long event is hosted by the local members of the B.C. Lapidary Society.
To find out more information, or if you would like to know more about joining your local rock club, contact the Kokanee Club of Nelson: Bob Lerch orgmec@shawbiz.ca or the Selkirk Club: contact Lesley Anderton hlkillo@telus.net.
The Kokanee Rock Club meets the last Tuesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. at the Chamber of Mines in Nelson. The Selkirk Club meets at various locations, call for info.
Entry fee: adults $4; children $2.
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