By Kathy L. Collins
If you are interested in rocks, minerals, silversmithing and jewelry making, then you will not want to miss the 54th Annual Gem/Mineral/Jewelry Show and Sale sponsored by the Tampa Bay Mineral and Science Club on Saturday, October 19 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and on Sunday, October 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The show will be held at the Strawberry Festival Expo Building located at 2301 W. Oak Ave. in Plant City.
Admission to the show is just $5 for adults; $4 for children ages 12 to 16 and students with ID; and free for children under 12 when accompanied by a parent.
Carolee Boyles, past president of the Tampa Bay Mineral and Science Club said, “We literally have something for everyone at the show. We have educational exhibits for youth, lapidary materials and supplies for jewelry makers, minerals for collectors and hobbyists and finished jewelry.” Boyles added, “Our show is a really good time for people to get started on their Christmas shopping.”
There will be over 40 vendors, live demonstrations throughout the show, hourly door prizes and parking is free. They will also have a silent auction, touch table, grab bags and magazine sales.
The Tampa Bay Mineral and Science Club is perhaps Hillsborough County’s best kept secret. The club has been in existence for over 55 years. Boyles said, “The club is a wonderful resource for anyone interested in rocks, minerals, silversmithing, jewelry making, faceting stones or glass fusing.”
Boyles added, “Our members come from all walks of life. We have everyone from attorneys, environmental specialists and bookkeepers to retirees. That mix of people creates a very social and congenial atmosphere. When we come together, we have lots of fun.”
The Tampa Bay Mineral and Science Club meets on the third Tuesday of every month at 7 p.m. at its clubhouse located at 10207 Fisher Ave. in Tampa. For more information on the club and the upcoming show, please visit www.tampabayrockclub.com or call 831-1944.
