[Rockhounds] 2007 Mobile Rock and Gem Show Report

[Carol Carter-Wientjes]

Boy, I didn't realize you guys had a show over there and missed out on it! 
Just a few days ago I spoke to the new chairman for the New Orleans Gem & 
Mineral Society show which has fallen by the wayside since Katrina. He said 
he's shooting for 2009 for the next show and is interested in talking to 
anybody who'd like to deal &/or demonstrate. Please let me know if you're 
interested and I'd be glad to hook you up with him.

Carol C-W

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Glenn Wimpee" <pawpawtiger at hotmail.com>
To: <rockhounds at lists.drizzle.com>
Sent: Thursday, November 29, 2007 8:38 PM
Subject: [Rockhounds] 2007 Mobile Rock and Gem Show Report


This was the 13th annual show for our club. It was held at the Fairgrounds 
at the edge of the Mobile City Limit which has become the custom in recent 
years. It is also held regularly on Thanksgiving weekend. There is 
definitely much to be said for consistancy. Our show has been growing 
steadily each year.

We had a full and varied compliment of dealers with terrific wares of 
jewelry, minerals, fossils, and rock creations. Most are regulars at the 
show each year with only a few new and a few sadly gone. One of the dealers 
who retired is sincerely missed even though his stock was bought by one of 
the "new" dealers. Another new dealer is a long time club member.

All our display boxes were nicely filled with items of beauty and interest 
to our hobby. Demonstrators cabbed, faceted, wire wrapped, beaded, and even 
opened pearl oysters. I think every oyster held at least one nice pearl and 
some had multiple treasures.

As usual our gem dig and sluice were big hits. The sluice has been updated 
and improved. It now has 2 complete runs to accommodate more screeners. The 
water was recycled by 2 pumps and large drums caught the muddy sludge and 
let reasonably clean water overflow into a larger tub from which it was 
pumped back to the top of each sluice. Screens were provided and bags of 
dirt were found to contain valuable stones hidden in their dirt. Club 
members used charts to help identify the finds. Lots of folks got dirty and 
wet.

Door prizes were donated en masse and given away about each half hour.

The club raffle also attracted lots of attention and yielded 5 very valuable 
prizes.

Geodes being cracked, UV displays by dealers, the Rock Food Table, carvings, 
fossils, lots of mineral specimens, beaucoup jewelry items, and way too many 
things to name were among the sights and offerings during the event. Even a 
gourmet food vendor added to the enjoyment.

People who come leave looking forward to coming back next year.

It should be noted that many along the Gulf Coast are still recovering from 
the effects of Hurricane Katrina that struck in August of 2005. Several rock 
clubs, private dealers, and individual members are included in this group.
Glenn
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