The Northwest Federation of Mineralogical Societies' annual Gem Show has been around for quite a while -- but the stars of this weekend's show at Yakima's State Fair Park predate it by quite a few millennia. We're talking fossils and dinosaurs in addition to gems and jewelry.

Featuring Central Washington University geology professor Nick Zentner and more than 30 jewelry, fossil and mineral dealers, the 80th annual Gem Show promises to be the ultimate all-ages event.

Here are some of the attractions:

  • Rice Museum's Liberty Gold Collection.
  • Marg's Jurassic Thalattosaurian.
  • Pana Mine sunstones.
  • Gemstone Space Needle replica.
  • A T-rex skull and other fossils.
  • Flintknapping, gold panning demonstrations and lapidary art.
  • Auctions, door prizes and lots of food.

Admission is $4 for adults, $2 for students and free for anyone 14 or younger (with adult admission). Parking is free at Gate 5.

The show -- presented by the Yakima Rock and Mineral Club -- runs from 10 a.m. Friday (April 27) through Sunday afternoon in the Modern Living Building and Pioneer Hall at State Fair Park, 1301 S. Fair Ave. Hours are 10-6 Friday and Saturday, 10-4 Sunday.

 

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