Small rocks, big rocks, shiny rocks and rocks in every colour will all be on display as the Vernon Lapidary and Mineral Club hosts Vernon Rocks.
The show takes place Nov. 18 and 19 at the Vernon Recreation Complex and is a chance for club members to share their hobby with the public.
“The young, especially, have a fascination with rocks, crystals and treasure hunting,” said Linda Zepik, with the club. “Some ‘young-at-hearts’ share the same fascination, and this is exactly what the Vernon Lapidary and Mineral Club has to offer to kids of all ages. There’s sure to be something for everyone.”
At Vernon Rocks, members of the club will be on hand to answer questions and will be showing and selling rocks, minerals, gems and jewellery. Admission is free. There will also be a Kids’ Corner where you can pay a loonie to play the Spin and Win for a prize. As well, the Vernon Placer Miners Club will be in attendance and you can learn to pan for gold for $5 per pan.
“They tell us that you are guaranteed to find gold,” said Zepik. “And it gets even better — with every purchase you make at the show you will be given a ticket for a chance to win a beautiful mineral specimen.”
The Vernon Lapidary and Mineral Club shares a workshop in Winfield with the 1120 Rock Club from Kelowna. Members learn to cut, shape and polish rocks they have found or bought. Some members do silversmithing, goldsmithing or wirewrapping to make finished jewellery pieces. Other members collect crystals and mineral specimens from micro mounts to large cabinet pieces.
“There are also faceters in the club that cut gem material into cut stones for jewellery. Plus, the club takes out some great field trips.”
Vernon Rocks takes place Nov. 18 from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Nov. 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. in the Dogwood Gym at the Vernon Recreation Complex.
“If you have ever considered rock collecting as a hobby, come on out to the show and see if it’s for you,” said Zepik. “As a customer told one of the club members at a recent show, ‘I drove by yesterday and saw the sign for a rock and gem show and said to my mother, who would ever buy a rock? And here I am today buying a bunch of rocks.’”