Buffalo Geological Society expands annual Gem-Mineral-Fossil Show

March 25-26 at Erie County Fairgrounds

The Buffalo Geological Society, a nonprofit organization, will host its 49th annual Gem, Mineral and Fossil Show on March 25-26 in the Market, Grange and State Police buildings at the Erie County Fairgrounds in Hamburg. Show hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday.

The annual show has expanded to a third building for increased exhibits and geological lectures that will be provided throughout the weekend.

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 gemstones. Although gem-quality garnet is rarely found in New York, mines in the Adirondacks produce more than 90 percent of the world's abrasive garnets from the area around Gore Mountain.

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; New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation; Reinstein Woods Nature Preserve; and the New York State Department of Conservation.

This educational, family-friendly 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 demonstrate 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. Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, students, teachers, the public and rock hounds are welcome.

Adult admission is $5. Scouts in uniform and children under 12 are admitted fore free. Free parking is offered for all, with both wheelchair and stroller accessibility.