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Buffalo Geological Society's 49th annual Gem-Mineral-Fossil Show at Erie County Fairgrounds

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Wed, Mar 15th 2017 06:20 pm

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 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 gemstones. Although gem quality garnet is rarely found in New York, mines in the Adirondacks produce over 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. On hand will be stone carvers, jewelry designers and other lapidary artists. In addition, more than 30 dealers selling gems, beads, minerals, fossils and jewelry will sell their items from around the world. A food vendor and hourly door prizes will be available.

Sandy Cline, internationally 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.

This event annually draws between 3,500-4,000 attendees. Families come from all over Western and Central New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and Canada. Adult admission is $5. Scouts in uniform and children under age 12 are admitted free.

 

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