Sudbury’s gem and mineral show returns for 44th year

The show will be held at the Carmichael Arena July 18-20

Article content Rockhounds, collectors and families will have plenty to explore when the Sudbury Rock and Lapidary Society hosts its 44th Annual Sudbury Gem & Mineral Show at Carmichael Arena July 18-20. Billed as Northern Ontario’s largest mineral, gem, rock, fossil, bead, jewelry and lapidary arts show, the three-day event will feature dealers from across the region offering new inventory acquired over the past year. Visitors can browse and purchase a wide variety of minerals, gemstones, fossils, handcrafted jewellery, beads and lapidary creations.

One lucky attendee will also take home the show’s grand door prize — a large Brazilian amethyst geode valued at $750. Two new attractions headline this year’s event. A certified gemmologist from the Canadian Gemmological Association will be on site to identify gemstones and help visitors determine whether treasured rings and keepsakes contain genuine gems or simply polished glass.

The show will also welcome Mining Matters for the first time. The national charitable organization promotes public awareness of Canada’s geology and mineral resources and provides educational resources on rocks, minerals, metals and career opportunities in the mining industry. Demonstrations throughout the weekend will include flint knapping, the traditional art of making stone arrowheads, as well as prospecting, geology and metal-detecting displays.

The Canadian Museum of Nature, Laurentian University and members of the Sudbury Rock and Lapidary Society will present exhibits. Children will receive a complimentary crystallized pyrite specimen from Peru while supplies last. Popular hands-on activities include gold panning, building a rock collection, dinosaur rubbings, creating “pebble people,” and searching for fossils.

Activities will be supervised by Dynamic Earth and Science North’s “Blue Coats.” The Goodman School of Mines will return for a third year, offering mining, robotics and other interactive activities aimed at young visitors. On Sunday, July 20, a field trip to a kyanite collecting site in the Wahnapitae area will give participants the opportunity to collect minerals and unusual rocks.

Visitors can also grab a bite to eat from MIGS Food Truck, which will be on site throughout the weekend. Event details – 44th Annual Sudbury Gem & Mineral Show – When: Friday, July 18, 5-9 p.m.; Saturday, July 19; Sunday, July 20 – Where: Carmichael Arena, 1298 Bancroft Dr. – Admission: $6 adults, $4 seniors, $1 children aged 6-12, free for children five and under – Info: 705-522-5140 – Website: srls.ca/srls-club-show. – Facebook: Sudbury Rock and Lapidary Society Bluesky: @sudburystar.bsky.social X: @SudburyStar