This rocks! 50th annual 'Rock and Gem Show' returns to South Charleston

Visitors look through offerings at a former Rock and Gem Show in South Charleston. This year's show takes place on Oct. 18-20.Photo byKanawha Rock and Gem Club

SOUTH CHARLESTON, W.Va. -- For 49 years, the Kanawha Rock and Gem Club has been sharing rare minerals and other treasures with locals and visitors alike.

This year the group continues that long-lasting tradition, holding their 50th annual gem show.

On Saturday, Oct. 19, and Sunday, Oct. 20, the club will once again bring their jewelry, gem, fossil and mineral sale to the city of South Charleston. The group's annual Rock and Gem Show takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, at the South Charleston Community Center, 601 Jefferson Road in South Charleston. Parking for the event is free.

Since 1974, local mineral collectors, enthusiasts and sellers have gathered for the annual gem show, bringing rare and precious items to sell to Kanwaha Valley neighbors. This year, more than a dozen vendors have registered for the event. Some of them include:

• The Elephant Lady
• Amber America
• Baron Jewelry
• Multi-Facet Productions
• Linda Hall
• The Prospectors Shop
• Ethiopian Gems
• Mike's Minerals
• Canton Collectibles
• The Wizzard's Emporium
• Prehistoric Planet
• Bary Gems
• Elite Treasures
• Clarke's Gems
• Fossils Jewels and More

Visitors from throughout the Kanawha Valley attend the annual Rock and Gem Show at the South Charleston Community Center.Photo byKanawha Rock and Gem Club

The show features “amazing specimens suitable for collecting, display, or metaphysical use,” organizers noted in an event announcement.

The selection of items offered at the weekend market is varied, too.

“[There are] lots of crystals, handmade one-of-a-kind items,” a representative said.

This year’s show will include rare earth specimens, crystals, fossils and a sampling of hand-crafted jewelry, among other items. Door prizes, including gift certificates worth up to $150, and hourly drawings will provide prizes for visitors. Attendees will also be able to crack their own geode and find labeled specimens in the show’s mini-mine, organizers said.

“[It’s] fun for the whole family,” a representative noted.

Admission to the Rock and Gem Show costs $5 for adults. Children 17 years old and younger may enter for free.

More information on this weekend’s show can be found on the Kanawha Rock and Gem Club’s Facebook page.

Michael Ramsburg is a Kanawha County communities reporter. He can be reached at ramsburgreports@gmail.com or by calling 304-370-3067.