By Deborah Reed
WKTV Contributor
greer@wktv.org
Rockhounds, treasure hunters and families are invited to “come for the rocks, stay for the gold, and leave with memories” at the 49th annual Rock & Mineral Show beginning Thursday, April 9.
Held at Rogers Plaza (972 28th St. SW, Wyoming, and hosted by the Indian Mounds Rock & Mineral Club) this family-friendly event contains three days of hands-on activities, a pop-up food court, free door prizes, and nearly 50 dealers and club artisans. Unearth hours of fun for all ages on Thursday and Friday, April 9-10, from 9:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday, April 11, from 9:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. Admission and parking are free.
“We are expecting a huge turnout this year in excess of 10,000 people over the 3-day event,” said Chuck Parks, in his first year as the Show’s Chairperson. “I stepped up to take over the show this year with the goal of dramatically expanding the show for our club. This year we are growing from 30 to 50 dealers, adding five hands-on activities, and have a brand new pop-up food court.”
After raising his children, Parks said he began “looking for something to replace sandcastles and the like and discovered a greatly expanded interest in Lake Michigan rocks at first, and then more generally in this whole geological field.”
“My interest in geology has added many rich new dynamics to both my personal and professional life,” explained Parks, who’s co-inventor of a beach rock scoop called the GeoScoop. ” I now travel all over the country on field trips, enjoy a rich community of rock clubs in Michigan and beyond, and have found many additional hobbies and business opportunities within this space. I highly recommend it.”
Leveling up
This year’s Rock & Mineral Show features expanded venues with hands-on activities such as jewelry classes, gold panning and a pop-up food court. Approximately 50 dealers and club artisans will have a variety of minerals, crystals, micromounts, fossils, beads, polished rocks, equipment, carved stone figures, jewelry, lapidary supplies and more available for purchase.
Attendees will have the opportunity to learn from industry experts through rock and mineral identification, demonstrations and displays. Artisans will demonstrate jewelry making, rock polishing and geode cracking. A Children’s Table will feature mini-collections, grab bags and a fossil dig for younger participants.
One of a kind designs
Local lapidary artist Reaiah True of Reaiah True Designs is dedicated to preserving the lapidary arts through the use of authentic and quality materials. Each piece is handcrafted and one-of-a-kind, with gems encased in 22k gold, sterling silver or copper.
True’s expertise and distinctive designs will be available at this year’s Rock & Mineral Show. Interested rockhounds and jewelry-lovers will be able to purchase her unique creations or order a custom design.
“I will have jewelry with solid sterling silver, copper and gold,” said True, adding that she will also have a variety of both cabochons and raw specimens available. “I specialize in turquoise, laramar, opals and a bunch of other gems.”
While True’s expertise and artistry is undeniable, her journey as a lapidary artisan began with an unexpected visit to a rock and mineral shop.
“I actually went into a shop that I thought was for rock climbing gear,” True said. “It happened to be a rock shop with this grandpa who gave me a bunch of information like he knew I was going to be a lapidary artist.”
True began treasure hunting through a three-dollar bin of gems and rocks compiled by the shop owner.
“I found a huge meteorite and big chunks of opal, some [of] really high quality,” True explained.
The artisan is looking forward to the Indian Mounds event for a variety of reasons, but a main reason is the excitement she sees in show attendees.
“Rock shows are so much fun; everyone is in their childlike self,” True said, breaking into a smile of her own. “There are people that are there from all over. There are also a lot of elders that are letting go of a lot of their collections, so it’s a wonderful place to get really high quality for a very affordable price.”
Speaking of affordable…
Treasure hunters won’t want to walk away without purchasing one of True’s $10 mystery boxes. Folded inside intricate origami creations, buyers will find an assortment of rocks and gems often worth more than that $10 price tag.
More importantly, they may find that favorite or coveted rock or gem they have been hunting for.
About Indian Mounds Rock & Mineral Club
The Indian Mounds Rock & Mineral Club is a non-profit organization celebrating its 61st anniversary. The club’s 100+ members encourage interest in the study of minerals, gems, fossils, rock, the lapidary arts and earth science through monthly meetings, an active Junior Club, field trip opportunities and speakers and specimens to various schools and groups.
More information about the club and the IMRMC show can be found at www.indianmoundsrockclub.org or www.facebook.com/indianmoundsrockclub.
Questions about the Indian Mounds Rock & Mineral Club Show can be emailed to Chuck Parks at Chuck.Parks@comcast.net.
