The Buffalo Geological Society, a non-profit organization, will host its 49th Annual Gem, Mineral and Fossil Show on March 25-26, 2017, in the Market, Grange, and State Police Buildings at the Erie County Fairgrounds in Hamburg NY, on Saturday, 10 am-6 pm and Sunday, 10 am-5 pm. The annual show has expanded to a third building for increased exhibits and geological lectures that will be provided throughout the show. Some of the geological lectures to be held on Saturday and Sunday will be on the “Geology of Lockport”, “Latest Research on Mars from the Mars Orbitor Project”, and “Crafts/Arts using geologic materials”.
This year's theme is "GARNET: The NYS Gem". Many varieties of garnets may be found around the world and can be cut into beautiful gem stones. Although gem quality garnet is rarely found in New York, mines in the Adirondacks produce over 90% of the world’s abrasive garnets from the area around Gore Mt.
This annual show provides an instant museum of Buffalo Geological Society Members fossils, minerals, and jewelry; demonstrators; the famous Mini-Mine for young collectors; Grandpa’s Corner for children’s crafts; the Penn Dixie Site, NYS Parks, Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve, and the NYS Department of Conservation. This highly educational family event affords attendees the opportunity to interact with demonstrators who work with minerals and gems. Demonstrators include stone carvers, jewelry designers, and other lapidary artists. In addition, over 30 dealers selling gems, beads, minerals, fossils, and jewelry will be selling their items from around the world. A food vendor and hourly door prizes will be available.
Sandy Cline, international renowned soapstone carver from Canada, will be demonstrating his art of carving wildlife forms and will have several for sale.
Young scientists can visit the “Mini-Mine” where they will be able to search for mineral specimens in a simulated mine setting. Additionally, “Grandpa's Corner” gives children the opportunity to create their own works of art in sand. All who attend can experience hands-on fun and learn something new about the geological sciences.
This event draws between 3,500-4,000 attendees annually. Families come from all over Western and Central New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Canada to take part in this event. This is a perfect family field trip to learn more about the geological sciences. Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, students, teachers, the public, and rock hounds are welcome. Adults are $5 each, scouts in uniform and children under 12 are FREE. Door prizes are drawn hourly. FREE parking. Wheel chair and stroller accessible.
