A longstanding Sudbury summertime tradition returns this weekend as the Sudbury Rock & Lapidary Society will host the 34th annual Gem and Mineral Show at Carmichael Arena, July 15 – 17.
The Sudbury Rock & Lapidary Society has been heading up the show since 1991 when they took over duties from Science North, and the society's vice president Ruth Debicki has been there for each and every show for 30 years.
“Everything is new every year at the show,” said Debicki. “Our dealers are some of the top ones in the world and they have the best variety and prices, so while it's a lot of the same people at the show, all of their stock is new.”
A total of 21 dealers will be on hand over the course of three days and there will be lots to see and do with exhibits, displays, demonstrations, and children's activities.
Gold panning, making a mineral collection, dinosaur rubbings, making pebble people, searching for fossils and making a model volcano are all included among activities for kids.
Speaking of kids, if they're five-years-old or younger, they get into the show for free, and children between six and 12 pay just $1 for daily entry or $2 for a weekend pass.
“It's three days for the price of two for everyone if you buy the weekend pass,” said Debicki. “Some people might not be able to come to all three days but if you buy the weekend pass you're still entered for the door prizes for each day.”
The show will have hourly door prizes throughout the course of the weekend with a top door prize of a large Brazilian amethyst geode valued at $750.
A highlight at the 2016 show is a visit from expert Karen Fox of the Canadian Gemmological Association, who will be on hand for gemstone identification.
“Any loose gemstones from rings or things like that can be identified,” said Debicki. “So maybe you have grandma's old topaz ring and you want to get it checked out. Some people are pleasantly surprised and others might not be.”
A charity BBQ will kick off the event on Friday, July 15 at 4:30 p.m. and the BBQ will run throughout the weekend with food available to those in attendance.
Saturday will feature some outdoor vendors as well, weather permitting. The weekend includes something for everyone, according to Debicki, and last year's event saw more than 2,700 people attend.
“Some people think that because Sudbury is a mining town that this show is just for the mining community,” said Debicki.
“That couldn't be further from the truth. It's a fun family event that has something for everyone to enjoy. It's like Christmas in July because most of the items that will be available can't be found here any other time during the year.”
