Hard Working Volunteers Set Up The Show!

AFMS/CFMS Gem Show and Convention

Great photos of the set up day...this is WORK!

Photos courtesy of John Martin

Gem Show, Speakers and Field Trips...

Experience the cool blue waters in an Aquamarine (the name means "ocean water")...visit the Dinosaur Museum exhibit and learn how a bone turns to stone...talk to the premiere paleo-botanist, Walt Wright in a room surrounded by his "Petrified Forest" made up of over 100 specimens...return to the days of the California Gold Rush and "pan for gold" on a functioning sluice.

The North Orange County Gem & Mineral Society is excited to be hosting "Hidden Treasures", the annual convention and show of their national (American Federation of Mineral Societies - AFMS) and regional (California Federation of Mineral Societies - CFMS) partners. Equally exciting is the opportunity to bring this educational and entertaining show to a new community in Whittier.

Friday through Sunday, June 18-20 2010
AFMS/CFMS Show & Convention
hosted by:
North Orange County Gem & Mineral Society

At: So. CA Univ. of Health Sciences
16200 E. Amber Valley Dr., Whittier, CA 90604
Hours: 10-5 daily

Tickets: $6 per day 14yo and up ($15 - 3 day ticket available)
Sunday ONLY - Father's Day Special!!!!
Dad gets in Free with the purchase of one ticket.

Vendors: there will be over 35 companies represented and a variety of goods available!

Who should attend? YOU! There is something for everyone at a Gem & Mineral Show...seriously! General Public - Children - Hobbyists - Professionals...

The Fossil Hall will include a "Petrified Forest" a 125 piece collection of Petrified Wood from PaleoBotanist Walt Wright. Mr. Wright is the premiere expert in this field and will share his knowledge in the Rotunda.

Demonstrations: include Faceting Gemstones, Jewelry Making, Cutting a Cabochon Gem...and more!

Speakers: We will be featuring a roster of world renowned Speakers: "A Rock Hound Tour of England" by Bob Jones, Sr. Editor of Rock and Gem Magazine; "The Great Bone Wars" by Dr. Allen Schaffert, MD; "Mount St. Helens - 30 Years After" by Tony and Sandy Fender; "Petrified Wood and Where It Grew" by Walt Wright, Paloebotanist...to name a few!

Meet the Author: Renee Newman is known world wide for her range of gem guides - from her latest "Exotic Gems Series" to field guides for the novice to indepth volumes on Pearls and Diamonds. Ms. Newman will be signing books from 1-3 pm on Sunday June 20th!

Kids will enjoy the authentic Gold panning sluice; Geode Slicer; the "New Crystal Hunters" Theater from BlueCap Productions; the Dinosaur Museum from Clark Park; Face Painting and other activities planned with them in mind.

While we are talking about children, remember that the kids will be out of school for this show and with that in mind we have planned some great Field Trips that will entertain the entire family!

Field Trip Schedule:
Two Tourmaline Mines in Two Days!
(you are not required to attend both days - but it is great fun and the camaraderie shared around a campfire can't be beat!)
Monday, June 21st:
The Oceanview - Fee Dig $50

Caravan to the Lake Henshaw Resort (overnight spaces start at $20 per vehicle)

Tuesday, June 22nd:
The Himalaya - Fee Dig $50

Precious Rubies or Fossils on the Beach - your choice!
Wednesday, June 23rd:
Trip One - Ruby near Cascade Canyon - More Strenuous Option
Trip Two - Jalama Beach - lead by Jon Meredith - less strenuous option

Rock Hound or Tourist - Which are you?
Thursday, June 24th:
Trip One - Lavic Siding - lead by Jay Valle - More Strenuous Option
Trip Two - LA County Natural History Museum - lead by Dr. Larry Barnes - less strenuous option

About Us: The North Orange County Gem and Mineral Society (NOCGMS) is a non profit (501c3) organization dedicated to the advancement of the earth sciences by stimulating interest and encouraging the study of the geological and mineral science and lapidary arts.

NOCGMS is a member of the California Federation of Mineralogical Societies (CFMS), and the AFMS American Federation of Mineralogical Societies (AFMS). We received the AFMS All American Club award from 1985 through 1992.

For more info about the event or organizations mentioned:
http://www.nocgms.com
http://www.cfmsinc.org
http://www.amfed.org

AFMS Field Trip - Lavic Siding

Thursday, June 24 Field Trip - Join us at Lavic Siding, in the heart of the Mojave! Weather can be unpredictable but expect it to be warm to really, really warm. We will be collecting the world famous Lavic jasper, which comes in a multitude of colors and can be brecciated, layered or solid with veins of white, black or blue agate.

Details:

• When: 10 AM, Sat., June 24, 2010
• Where: Lavic Siding
• Material: Jasper
• Meet: hotel/restaurant parking lot in Ludlow south of
  I-40, where waiver-of-liability forms will be signed
• What to bring: collecting bags/buckets, rock hammer,
  spray bottles, lunch & lots of water

The jasper has been found in red, black, yellow, gold, green, purple, or any combination and range from tumble-sized to football-sized. Other materials at this site may include agates and jaspers with sections of multi-shaded pink opal. Most is found as float.

Nearby is Pisgah Crater, a young volcano with an extensive lava field. This site covers a vast area between the Pisgah Crater lava fields, the railroad tracks, and the dry lake.

From the meeting spot we will caravan west to a safe crossing over the tracks, then explore various spots. This widespread field offers no shade.

Gas and food are available in Ludlow. While the roads are traversable in most high-clearance sedans, high-clearance trucks and SUVs are highly recommended.

For stay-overs, this general area also offers the southern Cady’s for a wide variety of material, a nearby obsidian field, Dish Hill for peridot, trilobites and the Hector Hills for chalcedony, opal and agate. Bring your rock collecting guides. For these other sites, 4wd is recommended but high clearance mandatory. Stay-overs may camp at a number of undeveloped sites or at the hotel in Ludlow. Treat the desert with respect: tread lightly and pack it in/pack it out.

To register for this Field Trip email your name, number in your party, and your phone number to Robyn Hawk at robynahawk (at) yahoo.com

Submitted by Field Trip leader: Jay Valle

Adapted from CFMS Newsletter, April 2009, Field Trips South article

AFMS/CFMS Show & Convention: Fieldtrip Schedule

The 2010 AFMS/CFMS Gem Show and Convention is sneaking up quickly - pre-register for the field trips to assure space!

Friday through Sunday, June 18-20 2010

AFMS/CFMS Gem Show & Convention

hosted by North Orange County Gem & Mineral Society

At: So. CA Univ. of Health Sciences

16200 E. Amber Valley Dr., Whittier, CA 90604

Hours: 10-5 daily

Tickets: $6 per day 14yo and up ($15 - 3 day ticket available)

Sunday ONLY - Father's Day Special!!!!

Dad gets in Free with the purchase of one ticket.

Kids will be out of school for this show and with that in mind we have planned some great Field Trips that will entertain the entire family!

Field Trip Schedule:

Two Tourmaline Mines in Two Days!

(you are not required to attend both days - but it is great fun and the camaraderie shared around a campfire can't be beat!)

June 21st:
The Oceanview - Fee Dig $50

Caravan to the Lake Henshaw Resort (overnight rates start at $20 - if you want a cabin they are limited)

June 22nd:
The Himalaya - Fee Dig $50

For a look at what has been found lately at the Oceanview and Himalaya see: http://flyviewsandreviews.blogspot.com/2010/01/new-years-day-at-himalayaa-socal.html

Fossil Hunters Choice!

A couple of fossicking choices - the Ant Hill trip is a little strenuous as the climb up is fairly steep - but doable! I do it in stages and it works for me - but there will be more digging required as the recent rains filled in a lot of the ledges that were here previously - but there is still great shark teeth and bones coming out! If you want to take the kids to the beach - it is a lot less strenuous and great bone, fossils and agate.

June 23rd:
Trip One - Ant Hill - More Strenuous Option
Trip Two - Jalama Beach - lead by Jon Meredith - less strenuous option

Yes - the big tooth is from Ant Hill!!! There is a great right up about Jalama Beach at Kim's Eclectic Arcania blog: http://eclecticarcania.blogspot.com/2008/07/jalama-beach-rockhounding.html

Rock Hound or Tourist?

We are winding down but for those avid rockhounds one more trip to the desert. Lavic is known for it's gorgeous red patterned Jasper (pictured)!!! For those of you from out of town and looking for a relaxing last day in CA the Natural History Museum is not to be missed. We will have the benefit of the knowledgeable Dr. Larry Barnes (curator) as a guide through the Museum and he will give us some insight into the massive remodeling project at the museum.

June 24th:
Trip One - Lavic Siding - lead by Jay Valle - More Strenuous Option
Trip Two - LA County Natural History Museum - lead by Dr. Larry Barnes - less strenuous option

For info or to pre-register for a field trip contact: Robyn Hawk email: robynahawk (at) yahoo.com

Visit Your Local Gem Show This Weekend!

23--WICHITA, KANSAS: Show; 57th annual show; Wichita Gem & Mineral Society; Cessna Activity Center, 2744 George Washington Blvd.; Fri. 9-7, Sat. 10-7, Sun. 10-5; adults $5, children $1; annual Rocky Mountain Federation meeting; contact Gene Maggard, 8318 S.E. Hwy. 77, Leon, KS 67074-9026, (316)742-3746

23-25--DECATUR, ILLINOIS: 58th annual show; Central Illinois Gem & Mineral Club; Macon County Fair Grounds, 3700 N. Westlawn Ave.; Fri. 11-6, Sat. 9-6, Sun. 10-4; adults $5 (good all three days), seniors $2, kids under 15 free; dealers, demonstrators, displays, Illinois DNR Oil & Gas Trailer, gemstones, fossils, jewelry, beads, minerals, findings, door prizes, kids' corner, "Running Water Sluice"; contact Tony Kapta, (309) 830-6516; e-mail: cigmc@comcast.net

23-25--GRANTS PASS, OREGON: Show; Rogue Gem & Geology Club; Josephine County Fairgrounds, Redwood Hwy.; Fri. 9-5, Sat. 9-5, Sun. 9-4; adults $1, children free; dealers, displays, demonstrations, door prizes, games, silent auction; contact Mary, P.O. Box 1224, Grants Pass, OR 97528, (541) 479-1045; e-mail: rockhoundclub@yahoo.com; Web site: www.roguegemandgeology.com

23-25--IRVINE, KENTUCKY: Show, "3rd annual Mountain Mushroom Festival Rock, Gem & Mineral Show"; City of Irvine, Mushroom Festival Committee, Blue Grass Gem & Mineral Club; Estill County School's Central Office, 253 Main St.; Fri. 9-3, Sat. 9-7, Sun. 10-5; free admission; Kentucky agate display, Kentucky agate, jewelry, fossil and mineral sales, Kentucky agate field trips Apr. 20-22, register online; contact Phil Daly, 10330 Forkland Rd., Parksville, KY 40464, (859) 854-0418; e-mail: phillipdaly@bellsouth.net; Web site: http://mountainmushroomfestival.org/

23-25--LINCOLNTON, GEORGIA: Graves Mountain Rock Swap and Dig; Junior Norman; Graves Mountain Mine; Fri. 8-6, Sat. 8-6, Sun. 8-6; admission by donation; collect from 8 am to 6 pm each day, sell and trade minerals; contact Junior Norman, (706) 401-3173; e-mail: rick@wncrocks.com; Web site: www.wncrocks.com/resources/Collecting%20sites.htm

23-25--SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH: Show, "Festival of Gems"; Wasatch Gem Society; Utah State Fair Park, 115 North 10th West, Zion Bldg.; Fri. 10-6, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5; adults $2, children free; displays, lapidary demonstrations, grab bags, Wheel of Fortune, silent auction, door prizes, gem and mineral dealers; contact Jeff Huefner, (801) 467-6850; e-mail: WGSShow@gmail.com; Web site: wasatchgemsociety.com

24-25--CUYAHOGA FALLS, OHIO: Show, "Gemboree"; Akron Mineral Society & Summit Lapidary Club; Emidio & Sons Expo Center, 48 E. Bath Rd.; Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-6; adults $5, students and seniors $4, children $1; lapidary demonstrations, art and educational displays, gem identification, geode cracking, gem mine, make-and-take projects for children, dealers, door prizes, silent auction; contact Evelyn Tryon, 2028 Tallmadge Rd., Kent, OH 44240, (330) 673-9664; e-mail: etjrtryon@juno.com; Web site: www.LapidaryClubofOhio.org

24-25--ELMA, WASHINGTON: Show, "Earth's Treasures"; Grays Harbor Gem & Geology Society; Gray's Harbor County Fairgrounds, 32 Elma-McCleary Rd.; Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-5; contact Gary Emberly, 624 Fairmont Place, Aberdeen, WA 98520, (360) 533-6196; e-mail: Melissa624@hotmail.com

24-25--FORT DODGE, IOWA: Annual show; River Valley Rockhounds; Webster County Fairgrounds, Old Hwy. 169; Sat. 9-5, Sun. 11-4; admission $1; displays, dealers, door prizes, free specimens for children; contact Robert Wolf, 3521 10th Ave. N, Fort Dodge, IA 50501, (515) 955-2818; e-mail: midnightwriter@frontiernet.net

24-25--FRANKLIN, NEW JERSEY: 38th annual show and swap; Franklin-Ogdensburg Earth Science Association, New Jersey Earth Science Association, Sterling Hill Mining Museum; Franklin School, 50 Washington Ave.; Sat. 9-5:30, Sun. 9-5; adults $5, children under 14 free with paying adult; contact Sterling Hill Mining Museum, (973) 209-7212

24-25--JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI: Show and sale; Mobile Rock & Mineral Society, The Mississippi Gulf Coast Gem & Mineral Society, Nature's Society of Majestic Arts; Mississippi Fairgrounds, Trademark Bldg.; Sat. 9-6, Sun. 10-5; gems, minerals, fossils, beads, crystals, rough and cut stones, finished jewelry, tools and lapidary supplies, fossils, minerals, stone vases and carvings, loose precious stones, mobile gem mining, gold mining, pearls, knapping, faceting, jewelry repairs; contact Sharon McClanahan or Stan Bennett, (601) 898-0407; e-mail: stan@tompkinsbarron.com

24-25--MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE: 32nd Memphis Mineral, Fossil, Jewelry Show; Memphis Archaeological & Geological Society; Memphis International Agricenter, Expo Center, West Pavilion, A and B wings, 7777 Walnut Grove Rd.; Sat. 9-6, Sun. 10-5; adults $5, children 12 and under $2, Scouts free; dealers, exhibits, kids' area, speakers; contact W.C. McDaniel, (901) 274-7706; e-mail: info@theearthwideopen.com; Web site: www.TheEarthWideOpen.com

24-25--NEWBURY PARK, CALIFORNIA: 36th annual show, "Pageant of a Thousand Gems"; Conejo Gem & Mineral Club; Borchard Park Community Center, 190 Reino Rd., at Borchard Rd.; Sat. 9-5, Sun. 10-4:30; free admission; exhibits, sales, gems, jewelry, rocks, minerals, fossils, special youth activities, lapidary and jewelry making demonstrations, silent auction, door prizes; contact Robert Sankovich, (805) 494-7734; e-mail: rmsorca@adelphia.net; Web site: www.cgamc.org

24-25--ROSEVILLE, MINNESOTA: Show; Anoka County Gem & Mineral Club; Har Mar Mall, 2100 Snelling Ave.; Sat. 10-6, Sun. 12-5; free admission; gems, minerals, jewelry, fossils, agates, collectibles; contact Martha Miss, 8445 Grange Blvd., Cottage Grove, MN 55016; e-mail: rockbiz@cs.com

24-25--SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA: Annual show; Santa Cruz Gem & Mineral Society; Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium, corner of Church St. and Center St.; Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-5; adults $6, children under 12 free; fluorescent room, treasure wheel, exhibits; contact Dean Welder, P.O. Box 343, Santa Cruz, CA 95061; e-mail: wdeanwelder@yahoo.com; Web site: www.scmgs.org

24-25--TROY, OHIO: Show, "Minerals, Meteorites and More"; Brukner Center Gem & Mineral Club; Miami County Fairgrounds, Activities Bldg.; Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5; adults $1, small children free; mineral identification, specimens, gems, jewelry, rough stone, demonstrations, displays, silent auction, dealers, raffles, free rock for children, children's activities; contact Tom Dilworth, (937) 602-1929

24-25--WACO, TEXAS: 50th annual show; Waco Gem & Mineral Club; TSTC Industrial Trade Center; Sat. 10-5:30, Sun. 10-5; adults $5 (both days), students $1; contact Kay Coleman, 118 County Rd. 540, Fairfield, TX 75840, (903) 389-8311

25--WATERLOO, IOWA: Show, "The Lapidary Arts: Nature's Beauty Revealed"; Black Hawk Gem & Mineral Society; Waterloo Center for the Arts, 225 Commercial St.; Sun. 12-5; free admission; demonstrations, silversmithing, gem cutting, rock tumbling, sphere making, faceting, silent auction, special displays, dealers, crystals, agates, geodes, fossils, handcrafted jewelry, minerals, fossil plaster casting, Featured Person: Dr. Lee Potter; contact Dave Malm, (319) 266-6433; e-mail: glenr@forbin.net

2010 AFMS/CFMS Show and Convention

The North Orange County Gem and Mineral Society is looking forward to hosting the AFMS and CFMS visitors...

ALAA Event Just Added!!!

We are proud and excited to say that planning and staging is coming together for the AFMS and CFMS Convention and Show in Southern California:

June 18-20 2010

AFMS/CFMS Show & Convention
hosted by North Orange County Gem & Mineral Society

Convention host hotel:

Anaheim Park Hotel
222 W. Houston Ave.,
Fullerton, CA 92832
(714) 992-1700
Toll Free (877) 491-1011

Gem Show Site:

So. CA Univ. of Health Sciences

16200 E. Amber Valley Dr.

Whittier, CA 90604

Hours: 10-5 daily

If you, like me are concerned about the closure of collecting sites then this announcement is for you!

...an exciting addition to the Convention Schedule is the ALAA Roundtable - Guests are Welcome:

ALAA (American Lands Access Assn.) is an arm of the AFMS. It was formed as a 501-C-4 which enables us to lobby. This is done to keep our collecting sites open and the roads to them. California's collecting sites are under siege by many government entities as well as special interests. We are hoping to have all the clubs in California and beyond become members of ALAA and help us maintain our collecting sites.

Our meeting on Sunday, June 20, 11:30 at the host hotel will have as our featured speaker Del Albright, of the Blue Ribbon Coalition. This organization represents over 600,000 members/motorized clubs throughout the U.S. They have taken the government to court on a number of occasions when negotiations failed to keep roads open. We believe we have a common goal, they keep the roads open to our collecting sites. It's a win win situation.

Join us, we need you!

Shirley Leeson

ALAA Vice President

Find a Local Club Gem Show This Weekend!

9-11--ABBOTSFORD, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA: Show; Ag-Rec Bldg., CFV Fairgrounds, 32470 Haida Dr.; Fri. 10-8, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-6; adults $6, students (6-17) $2, children under 6 free with adult; more than 35 dealers, beads, crystals, minerals, gifts, lapidary supplies, club displays, demonstrations, grab bags, children's creative workshop, gold panning, door prizes; contact Jennifer Moore, (604) 328-9766; e-mail: jenmac02@telus.net

9-11--ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO: 41st annual show, "Treasures of the Earth"; Albuquerque Gem & Mineral Club; Creative Arts Center, New Mexico State Fairgrounds (Expo NM), San Pedro entrance, across the street from the Lujan Bldg.; Fri. 10-6, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5; adults $1 Fri., $3 Sat. and Sun., children under 13 free; more than 40 dealers, displays, door prizes, kids' booth, silent auctions, faceting demonstrations, gold panning, gem setting, free mineral/gem identification; contact Paul Hlava, (505) 255-5478; e-mail: hpf5@qwest.net

9-11--OGDEN, UTAH: 59th annual show, "2010 Gemstone Junction"; Golden Spike Gem & Mineral Society; Golden Spike Event Center, Weber County Fairgrounds, 1000 N 1200 W; adults $2, students $1.50, children under 12 free with adult; Fri. 9-6, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-4; more than 25 dealers, more than 30 display cases, geodes, faceted stones, dinosaur bones, fossils, minerals, beads, jewelry, healing stones and crystals, petrified wood, lapidary tools and equipment, demonstrations, rock bags, Wheel of Fortune, door prizes, silent auction; contact Cindy Aeschlimann, P.O. Box 12835, Ogden, UT 84412-2835, (801) 648-5060; e-mail: club@goldenspikegem.org; Web site: www.goldenspikegem.org

10-11--ABILENE, TEXAS: Show; Central Texas Gem & Mineral Society; Abilene Civic Center, 1100 N. 6th St.; Sat. 9-5, Sun. 10-5; adults $5, children $3; vendors, rock, fossils, tools, gems, sand art, wheel of fortune, raffles, club member demonstrations, geode cracking; contact Betty Scarborough, 422 CR 606, Tuscola, TX 79562, (325) 668-2374; e-mail: waltswife1029@yahoo.com; Web site: www.txol.net/rockclub

10-11--BELLINGHAM, WASHINGTON: 49th show; Mt. Baker Rock & Gem Club; Bloedel-Donovan Park, 2214 Electric Ave.; free admission; Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5; rocks, fossils, gems, jewelry, dealers, door prizes, club sales, silent auction, raffle, demonstrations, exhibits, special kids' activities; contact Candi Gerard, (360) 384-3187

10-11--CANTON, ILLINOIS: 50th annual show; Fulton County Rockhounders; Wallace Park; Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5; free admission; contact Steven Holley, (309) 231-8861; e-mail: ilfossil@hotmail.com; or George Coursey, (309) 368-2947; e-mail: courseyfarms@hughes.net

10-11--DES PLAINES, ILLINOIS: 45th annual show; Des Plaines Valley Geological Society; Des Plaines Park District Leisure Center, 2222 Birch St. (just west of River Rd. off Touhy); Sat. 9:30-5, Sun. 10-4; adults $3, students $1 with school ID, seniors $2, children under 12 free with adult; educational exhibits, live demonstrations, kids' room, silent auction, dealers, raffles, door prizes; contact Lois Zima or Jeanine Mielecki; (847) 298-4653; e-mail: jaynine9@aol.com; Web site: www.desplainesgeologyclub.org

10-11--GREEN BAY, WISCONSIN: Show, "Green Bay is Rockin' on the Fox"; Green Bay Neville Public Museum Geology Club; Neville Public Museum, 210 Museum Pl., downtown; Sat. 9-5, Sun. 10-4; adults $2, children under 14 free; 14 dealers, fossils, minerals, gemstones, jewelry, free polished stones for children, grab bags, working and special exhibits, wire wrapping demonstrations; contact Randy Westberg, 1815 E. Shore Dr., Green Bay, WI 54302, (920) 619-6060; e-mail: randy.westberg@rhccgb.com

10-11--GRESHAM, OREGON: Show; Mount Hood Rock Club; Mount Hood Community College Gym, 26000 SE Stark (south end of the campus); Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5; contact Keene Clay, (503) 558-8500; e-mail; ODROC@comcast.net

10-11--JOHNSON CITY, NEW YORK: 41st annual show; New York Southern Tier Geology Club; Johnson City Senior Citizen Center, 30 Brocton St.; Sat. 9-6, Sun. 10-4; adults $3, kids under 12 free; dealers, silent auctions; contact Al Conklin, 187 Forest Hill Rd., Apalachin, NY 13732, (607) 625-4140; e-mail: allanconklin@aol.com

10-11--KINGMAN, ARIZONA: Show, "Gems of Arizona"; Mohave County Gemstoners; Kingman Academy of Learning High School, 3420 N. Burbank St.; Sat. 9-5, Sun. 9-4; free admission; demonstrations (obsidian knapping, faceting, wire wrapping), mineral displays, silent auction, dealers, cash raffle, hourly door prizes, children's activities; contact Nan Russell, (928) 846-0927, or Donna Robinson, 3202 E. Leroy Ave., Kingman, AZ 86409, (928) 263-1480; e-mail: gemstoners@live.com; Web site: www.gemstoners.org

10-11--LANCASTER, CALIFORNIA: Show; Antelope Valley Gem & Mineral Club; Lancaster High School, 44701 32nd St. W, between Lancaster Blvd. and Ave. J; Sat. 9-5, Sun. 9-5; free admission; demonstrations, vendors, tailgaters, silent auction table, raffle drawing, games; contact Jules Ficke, 4233 W. Ave. L-4, Lancaster, CA 93536, (661) 943-5157; e-mail: av_gem@yahoo.com; Web site: www.avgem.weebly.com

10-11--MARIPOSA, CALIFORNIA: 10th annual show; California State Mining and Mineral Museum, Mariposa Gem & Mineral Club, California State Mining and Mineral Museum Association; Mariposa County Fairgrounds, Hwy. 49; Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-4; gems, minerals, crafts, speakers, mineral exhibits, educational activities, raffles, silent auctions; contact Dianne Vereschagin or Darci Moore, (209) 742-7625

10-11--PARADISE, CALIFORNIA: Show, "Paradise of Gems"; Paradise Gem & Mineral Club; Elks Lodge, 6309 Clark Rd.; Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4; adults $2; contact Manuel Garcia, 5659 Foster Rd., Paradise, CA 95969, (530) 877-7324; e-mail: mmpg@earthlink.net

10-11--PARIS, ONTARIO, CANADA: 38th annual show; Brantford Lapidary & Mineral Society; Paris Fairgrounds, 139 Silver St.; Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-5; adults $3, children 12 and under free; dealers, gems, minerals, fossils, stones, lapidary equipment and supplies, fine jewelry, supplies, beads, demonstrations, exhibits, silent auction, "Mine for Gems" display; contact Robert Parry, P.O. Box 29, 138 Sugar Maple Rd., St. George, ON N0E 1N0, (519) 448-1236; e-mail: robert@roberthalloriginals.com; Web site: www.brantfordlapidarymineral.ca

10-11--POCATELLO, IDAHO: Show; SouthEast Idaho Gem & Mineral Club; Bannock County Fairgrounds, 10588 Fairgrounds Rd.; Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5; contact Martin Rakatansky, (208) 233-2538; e-mail: rak80@cableone.net

Get Out To A Local Gem Show This Weekend!

26-27--COLVILLE, WASHINGTON: 10th annual show; Panorama Gem & Mineral Club; Fort Colville Grange Hall, 157 Hwy. 20 E.; Fri. 8:30-6, Sat. 9-5; contact Bill Allen, (509) 935-8779; e-mail: Sago@theofficenet.com

26-28--ADA, OKLAHOMA: Show, "The Rock 'n Gem, Mineral & Fossil Show 2010"; Ada Gem, Mineral & Fossil Club; Pontotoc County Agri-Plex, NE corner of state Hwy. 99 and Richardson Loop Bypass; Fri. 10-6, Sat. 9-5, Sun. 10-5; free admission; demonstrators, fluorescent displays, dealers, kids' fossil dig, spinning wheels; contact Ed Vermillion, P.O. Box 782, Purcell, OK 73080, (405) 527-6431; e-mail: okieed42@windstream.net; Web site: http://www.freewebs.com/agmfc/index.htm

26-28--BRIDGETON (ST. LOUIS COUNTY), MISSOURI: 50th annual show; Rock Hobby Club; Machinist Hall Auditorium, 12325 St. Charles Rock Rd.; Fri. 4-9, Sat. 10-7, Sun. 10-5; adults $3.50, students $2, children under 5 free; exhibits, museum and university special exhibits, demonstrations, dealers, supplies; contact Vickie Corley, 1727 Parkway Acres, St. Louis, MO 63043, (314) 521-8896; e-mail: Missouri-gem@sbcglobal.net

26-28--FORT COLLINS, COLORADO: 49th annual show; Fort Collins Rockhounds; Lincoln Center, 419 W. Magnolia St.; Fri. 4-8, Sat. 9-6, Sun. 10-5; adults $3, ($5 weekend pass), students under 18 $1, children 12 and under free with adult; Minerals of the American West with a special focus on quartz, exhibits and demonstrations by club members and invited guests, door prizes, silent auction, grab bags, seven gem and mineral dealers; contact Dave Halliburton, 2506 Pear Court, Fort Collins, CO 80521, (970) 493-6168; e-mail: fcrockhounds@yahoo.com; Web site: fortcollinsrockhounds.org

26-28--MACOMB, ILLINOIS: Fossil show; Mid-America Paleontology Society; Western Hall, Western Illinois University; Fri. 8-5, Sat. 8-5, Sun. 8-12; free admission; fossils only, buy, sell, swap, display, children's activities, silent auctions, keynote speaker Dr. Robert Frey, auction Sat.; contact Tom Williams, (815) 223-9638; e-mail: Paleotom234@dishmail.net; or Steve Holley, (309) 231-8861; e-mail: llfossil@hotmail.com; Web site: www.midamericapaleo.org

26-28--MORGANTON, NORTH CAROLINA: Show; Morganton Parks and Recreation; Collett Street Recreation Center, 300 Collett St.; Fri. 10-6, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 12-5; adults $3, students $2; door prizes, interactive gem mining booth; contact Gary Leonhardt, 300 Collett St., P.O. Box 3448, Morganton, NC 28680, (828) 439-1866; e-mail: gleonhardt@ci.morganton.nc.us; Web site: www.ci.morganton.nc.us

26-28--ORLANDO, FLORIDA: 41st annual show; Central Florida Mineral & Gem Society; Central Florida Fairgrounds, 4603 W. Colonial Dr.; Fri. 10-6, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5; adults $4, students and seniors $2, children under 12 and Scouts in uniform free with paying adult; sluice mining, faceting demonstrations, silent auctions, gem identification, Kids' Korner, mineralogist on site, door prizes, grand prize; contact James Johnstone, 12745 Newfield Dr., Orlando, FL 32837, (407) 625-6336; e-mail: jj030@msn.com; Web site: www.thumblicker.com

27--WOODBURY, MINNESOTA: Annual show; St. Croix Rockhounds, Valley Creek Mall, 175 Weir Dr.; Sat. 9-3; free admission; educational show, no dealers, rock and mineral identification; contact Bill Cordua, 414 Lewis St., River Falls, WI 54022, (715) 425-3139; e-mail: william.s.cordua@uwrf.edu

27-28--ANGELS CAMP, CALIFORNIA: Annual show and sale; Calaveras Gem & Mineral Society; Calaveras County Fairgrounds, Hwy. 49 at Frogtown USA; Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4; adults $4, kids 12 and under free with adult; rocks, minerals, jewelry, beads, supplies; contact Tak Iwata, (209) 928-5579; e-mail: Tak2me@msn.com

27-28--CHAMBERSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA: 32nd annual show; The Franklin County Rock & Mineral Club; Shalom Christian Academy, 126 Social Island Rd.; Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4; adults $4, children under 12 free with adult; jewelry, gemstones, minerals, fossils, door prizes; contact Mike Mowen, (717) 264-9024; e-mail: mlmo@innernet.net

27-28--HAMBURG, NEW YORK: Show, "Trilobites: Under the Seas of Western New York"; The Buffalo Geological Society; Market & Grange Bldgs., The Fairgrounds in Hamburg, 5600 McKinley Pkwy.; Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5; adults $5, children 12 and under free; demonstrations, beads, jewelry, private gem collections, unique gifts, children's mini-mine, "Grandpa's Corner"; contact Steve Birtz, 2230 Fix Rd., Grand Island, NY 14072,(716) 773-6386; e-mail: SBirtz@aol.com

27-28--HICKSVILLE, NEW YORK: 38th annual show; The Island Rock Hounds; Holy Family auditorium, Fordham Ave. and Rte. 106; Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-5; admission $4.50, under 12 free with adult; dealers, gems, minerals, fossils, lapidary, beads, findings, children's games, door prizes, exhibits, grab bags; contact Nancy Colburn, IRH P.O. Box 521, Bellmore, NY 11710, (516) 334-4398

27-28--HOLYOKE, MASSACHUSETTS: Show; Connecticut Valley Mineral Club; Holiday Inn at Ingleside, I-91 Exit 15; Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4; adults $4, children 12 and under free with adult; minerals, gemstones, jewelry, crystals, beads, fossils, lapidary and mineral arts, demonstrations, exhibits; contact Lee Champigny, (413) 320-9741; e-mail: pullG4fun@verizon.net

27-28--LEMOORE, CALIFORNIA: 2nd annual show; Lemoore Gem & Mineral Club; Trinity Hall; Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-6; contact Judy Pereira, 335 W. D St., Lemoore, CA 93245, (559) 924-4052

27-28--MONROE, WISCONSIN: 40th annual show, "Colors of the Earth"; Badger Lapidary & Geological Society; Monroe High School, 1600 26th St.; Sat. 9-5, Sun. 9-5; admission by donation; 10 dealers, fine minerals, fossils, gems, jewelry, expert speakers, videos, educational exhibits, demonstrations, hourly door prizes, club sale table, kids' games; contact Dan Trocke, 4771 County Rd. II, Highland, WI 53543-9286, (608) 215-5307; e-mail: dtrocke@acscm.com

27-28--PLYMOUTH MEETING, PENNSYLVANIA: Show and sale, "Philadelphia Mineral Treasures and Fossil Fair"; Philadelphia Mineralogical Society; LuLu Temple, 5140 Buttler Pike; Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4; adults $5, children $1; minerals, fossils, books, gems, jewelry, free kids' specimens and fossil dig, educational displays, personal collections, scouting merit badge information, professional speakers; contact Duglas Klieger, 26 Cabot Ct., Chesterbrook, PA 19087, (610) 644-2492; e-mail: dklieger@verizon.net; Web site: www.PMS.Moonfruit.com

27-28--ROSEVILLE, CALIFORNIA: 48th annual show; Roseville (Placer County) Fairgrounds, 800 All America City Blvd., off Washington; Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4; adults $5, seniors (60+) $4, kids 12 and under free; more than 30 vendors, crystals, gold, geode cracking, beads, gemstones, fossils, polished stones, handcrafted jewelry, opal, world-class mineral specimens, tourmaline, sunstones, bugs in amber, mineral identification, "Kids' Junction", demonstrations, silent auctions, exhibits, raffles, lapidary shop open house, information and discount coupon on Web site; contact Gloria Marie, (916) 216-1114; e-mail: gloriarosevillerockrollers@gmail.com; Web site: www.rockrollers.com

27-28--SAYRE, PENNSYLVANIA: 41st annual show; Che-Hanna Rock & Mineral Club; Athens Twp. Volunteer Fire Hall, 211 Herrick Ave.; Sat. 9-5, Sun. 10-5; adults $3, students $1, children under 8 free; Carnegie Museum exhibits and silent auctions, Paleontological Research Institute fossil exhibit, kids' activities, club displays, retail dealers; contact Bob McGuire, 224 Church St., Lopez, PA 19628, (570) 928-9238; e-mail: uvbob@epix.net

27-28--SWEET HOME, OREGON: 62nd annual show; Sweet Home Rock & Mineral Society; 1641 Long St.; Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-4; contact Joe Cota, (541) 451-2740

Spring is Gem Show Season...Find One Near You!

18-21--SAN BERNARDINO, CALIFORNIA: Tailgate show; Orange Belt Mineralogical Society; Western Regional Little League Ball Park, 6707 Little League Dr.; Thu. 2-8, Fri. 8-8, Sat. 8-8, Sun. 9-7; free admission; silent auction, bulk rough, raffle, dealers, lapidary-related items, jewelry; contact Shane Ripley, 31975 Yucaipa Blvd. #1, Yucaipa, CA 92399, (909) 557-3605; e-mail: OBMS_PR@yahoo.com; Web site: www.meetup.com/Jewlery-Making-for-Fun-and-Profit/

19-21--HICKORY, NORTH CAROLINA: 40th Unifour Gem, Mineral, Bead, Fossil & Jewelry Show; Catawba Valley Gem & Mineral Club; Hickory Metro Convention Center, 1960 13th Ave. Dr. SE, I-40, Exit 125; Fri. 9-6, Sat. 9-6, Sun. 10-5; adults $4, seniors $4, students and children free; contact Baxter Leonard, 2510 Rolling Ridge Dr., Hickory, NC, 28602, (828) 294-6924; e-mail: gailandbaxter@aol.com

19-21--JACKSON, MICHIGAN: Show, "Treasures & Gems in 2010"; Gem & Minerial Society of Jackson; Jackson County Fairgrounds "Fair Event Center", 200 W. Ganson St.; Fri. 10-7, Sat. 10-7, Sun. 10-5; adults $3, seniors $2, students 50 cents, children and uniformed military and Scouts free; more than 20 dealers and demonstrators, gems, minerals, fossils, beads, bead making, jewelry, silent auctions, lapidary tools and supplies; contact James Bretes, 3022 Francis St., Jackson, MI 49203, (877) 872-8471; e-mail: info@mgmsrockclub.com; Web site: www.mgmsrockclub.com

19-21--ROME, GEORGIA: Show, "Valley and Ridge Gem & Mineral Show"; Rome Georgia Mineral Society; The Forum, 2 Government Plaza; Fri. 10-6, Sat. 10-6, Sun. 11-5; free admission; minerals, gems, fossils, jewelry, crystals, demonstrations, exhibits, lectures, door prizes; contact Tim Biggart, (706) 232-7143; e-mail: tbiggart@berry.edu; Web site: http://rogams.wordpress.com/gem-and-mineral-show/

19-21--SPANISH FORK, UTAH: Show, "Spring Prade of Gems Invitational"; Timpanogos Gem & Mineral Society; Spanish Fork Tennis Court, 475 S. Main St.; Fri. 10-7, Sat. 10-7, Sun. 10-5; free admission; Mr. Bones walking dinosaur, handmade jewelry, gems, minerals, fossils, lapidary supplies, demonstrations, educational displays, silent auction, rough rock; contact Larry Hataway, P.O. Box 103, Spanish Fork, UT 84660, (801) 798-2758; e-mail: larry@spanishtrailssilver.com; Web site: spanishtrailssilver.com

20-21--BAKERSFIELD, CALIFORNIA: 9th annual show, "Rock and Gem Rendezvous"; Kern County Shrine Club, 700 S. P St., corner of S. P and Bell Terrace; Sat. 9-5, Sun. 9-5; indoor/outdoor show, rocks, fossils, beads, new and used lapidary supplies, jewelry, rough material, finished gems, hourly drawing, silent auction, Spinning Wheel, demonstrations; contact Lewis M. Helfrich or Lynne G. Helfrich, (661) 323-2663; e-mail: lewsrocks@netzero.net

20-21--CEDAR RAPIDS, IOWA: Show; Cedar Valley Rock & Mineral Society; Teamsters Union Hall, 5000 J St. SW; Sat. 8:30-6, Sun. 9:30-5; adults $2, students $1, children free; 33-inch Duckbill skeleton compliments of Michael and Barbara Sincak; contact Thomas Whitlatch, 1147 Staub Ct. NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402, (319) 551-3870; e-mail: whitlatcht@mchsi.com; Web site: www.cedarvalleyrockclub.org

20-21--ESCONDIDO, CALIFORNIA: Annual show: Palomar Gem & Mineral Club; Army National Guard Armory, 304 Park Ave.; Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-4; adults $2, seniors (over 65) $1, children under 12 free with adult; dealers, rough rock, finished stones, jewelry, tools, gem identification; contact Van Lynch, (760) 749-4164; e-mail: michelleandvan@hotmail.com

20-21--GAITHERSBURG, MARYLAND: 46th annual show; The Gem, Lapidary & Mineral Society of Montgomery County, Maryland; Montgomery County Fairgrounds, 16 Chestnut St.; Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-5; adults $6, children under 12 free; 45 exhibits, demonstrations, free cabochon polishing workshop, door prizes, raffles, fossils, kids' Touch Table with specimens, fluorescent display tent, kids' mini-mine, more than 20 dealers; contact George Durland, 8600 Bunnell Dr., Potomac, MD 20854; e-mail: GDurland1@verizon.net; Web site: www.glmsmc.com

20-21--LIVE OAK, TEXAS: Show, "Fiesta of Gems"; Southwest Gem and Mineral Society; Live Oak Civic Center, 8101 Pat Booker Rd.; Sat. 10-6, Sun. 10-4; adults $5, students and seniors $3, children 50 cents, military discount, special school group rate; minerals, gemstones, fossils, jewelry , lapidary, demonstrations, exhibits; contact Robert Bowie, (830) 935-3373; e-mail: krbotx@gvtc.com; Web site: swgemandmineral.org

20-21--SEATTLE, WASHINGTON: Show; North Seattle Lapidary & Mineral Club; Lake City Community Center, 12531 28th Ave. NE; Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-5; free admission; junior activities, demonstrations, club member displays, grab bags, Rockosaurus rides, Rockhound Dinner, dealers, door prizes; contact Susan Gardner, 15428 62nd Ave. NE, Kenmore, WA 98028, (425) 483-2295; e-mail: sgardner3@mindspring.com; Web site: www.NorthSeattleRockClub.org

20-21--TAMPA, FLORIDA: Show, "Fossil Fest 2010"; Tampa Bay Fossil Club; Florida State Fairgrounds, US 301 and I-4; Sat. 9-6, Sun. 10-4; fossils, artifacts, gems, minerals, shells, exhibits, "how to" seminars, kids' games, fossil mine, raffles, door prizes, silent auction; contact Barbara Fite, (813) 977-0892; e-mail: bfite@tampabay.rr.com; Web site: www.tampabayfossilclub.com

20-21--VALLEJO, CALIFORNIA: Show and sale, "Spring Bling"; Vallejo Gem & Mineral Society; Vallejo Elks Lodge, 2850 Redwood Pkwy.; Sat. 10-5, Sun. 10-5; adults $3, student $2, children free; rocks, gems, jewelry, door prizes, silent auction, "wheel of fortune"; contact Phylis Malacki, 370 W. M St., Benicia, CA 94510, (707) 745-3255; e-mail: vgms01@yahoo.com; Web site: www.iwired.org