The 34th Annual Aiken-Augusta Gem, Mineral and Fossil Show turned out to be a precious find Saturday, its second day running, as crowds filled Julian Smith Casino.
“For this little building, we pack it out,” said Wayne Parker, treasurer for the event and liaison for the Augusta Gem and Mineral Society. “It’s a three-day event, and so we usually have about 1,500 to 2,000 people show up.”
The yearly exhibition is coordinated by the Augusta Gem and Mineral Society and the Aiken-Augusta Gem Mineral and Fossil Society. Along with society members, several traveling vendors, for whom events like this is a weekly enterprise, set up stations for rock collectors and geological enthusiasts of all kinds to observe and even shop.
Dealers in precious stones, fine jewelry, fossils, crystals and more gather next to local members, many of them jewelers and geologists, displaying a vast array of mined earthly artifacts. Lapidarists, or gem cutters, exhibit their skills in the art of turning jagged stones into beautiful adornments.
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There’s even a showcase set up by members presenting collections of minerals, fossils and other rare or intriguing geological items.
While the proceeds of the concessions go toward Relay for Life, the show is a fundraiser for both clubs’ various educational programs, such as courses at the William Holland Lapidary School of Arts. Increasing knowledge and enthusiasm about treasures found in the ground, or as Parker says, “educate the public on what you’re walking on,” is the primary aim of the club and, by extension, the event itself.
“Unless you stop and take a moment to observe your surroundings, you’ll miss it,” said Parker. “So the purposes of the show is to expose this to the public, so that they’ll have a better appreciation and what God has put down for us to enjoy.”
The Gem, Mineral & Fossil Show began on Friday continues through Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., at the Julian Smith Casino. For more information visit https://agams.club/.
Skyler Q. Andrews is a staff reporter covering education in Columbia County and business-related topics for The Augusta Press. Reach him at skyler@theaugustapress.com.
