A little bling, a lot of dazzle, plus the stunning creations of nature will take center stage at the annual Gem, Mineral, Fossil, Jewelry and Gift Show on November 12th and 13th at Highland College in Freeport. Vendors will showcase fascinating specimens from all over the world; there will be eye-catching gifts for holiday shopping, door prizes, and fun for all ages. A children’s game area, lapidary and wire-wrapping demonstrations, and the ever-popular geode cracking booth are among the highlights at this annual fall event. Show hours are from 9 a. m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 10 a. m. to 4 p. m. Sunday at the Highland Student/Conference Center. Lot A offers plenty of parking.
Sponsored by Northwest Illinois Rock Club, one of the show’s goals is to educate the public about the spectacular wonders of the geological world. A number of prestigious speakers will be on hand for presentations in their fields of expertise. All lectures are in room H127 with the following schedule:
10:30 a. m. : The Most Dangerous Profession
David Rice, retired paint chemist and former coal mine “Shot Firer,” “Roof Bolter” and foreman.
1:30 p. m.: Ice Age Fossils of Illinois
Dr. Les Fay, Rock Valley College Geography and Geology instructor, Ice Age Paleontologist and author.
3:30 p. m.: Good Fishing at Fossil Lake
Scott Williams, Director of Science and Exhibits, Burpee Museum of Natural History, Rockford, IL
Sunday, Nov. 13
11:00 a. m. : Geologic Evolution of North America
Richard Udell, University of Wisconsin Madison geology student and geology museum tour guide
2:00 p. m. : Gold Micro-inclusions in Natural and Laboratory Grown Minerals
Dr. Mark Frank, Mineralogy and Geochemistry Professor, Northern Illinois University, De Kalb, IL
A free will donation is appreciated to defray the cost of the show. For more information contact Brian Green at 815-745-2228 or email bgreen57@hotmail.com.
