CREEDE— For 16 years rock enthusiasts from around the globe have gathered in Creede for the annual Rock and Mineral Show. This year, well over 1,500 people are expected to show up the first weekend in August to get their fix of gems, gold nuggets and other earthly delights as they admire and enjoy the geological phenomenon surrounding the small mountain town.
The show always takes place in the Underground Community Center and Mining Museum located north of town in the shadows of the tall caldera cliffs that helped form a rich and exciting mining history. The town is in the midst of its 125th anniversary and has had a year packed with exciting events to fill the calendar. The Rock and Mineral Show will only add to the long list of fun activities in the area, with its own unique way of celebrating Creede’s past.
The Underground Mining Museum is a great place to begin the weekend, offering a place for guests to gain a perspective of what life was like in Creede so many years ago. The dark, cool caverns throughout the building speak to the lifestyle many lived while silver was mined in the hills above town. Experienced staff takes guests to the entrance of the museum, donned with coats to keep the chill at bay, while they explain the origins of mining in the area and send guests on their way into the museum.
Each guest has a handheld device that talks about each exhibit, mining techniques used during specific time periods and tells the tales of mining long ago. The entire tour takes about 45 minutes from beginning to end and lands guests in a gift shop adorned with precious gems, stones and minerals that sparkle under the low ceiling and strategically placed lights.
Once guests have a basis for the mining history in the area, they can venture to the Rock and Mineral Show that is spread out along the corridors inside the Underground Community Center. This year, over 40 vendors and educational booths are expected to be participating in the show, which is a slight increase from prior years. Guests can wander among the many booths laden with rocks, minerals, precious gems, homemade crafts and other delightful merchandise, while talking with vendors about the splendor of being a rock hound.
Each evening at the community center a presentation will take place that highlights certain geological lectures by local geologists. Speakers for this year’s event have yet to be announced, but will be added to the website at www.creederocks.com as soon as they are available. A full schedule of events can also be found on the website, as well as vendor information.
Creede will be in full swing all weekend long with something for everyone to enjoy. From live theatre at the Creede Repertory Theatre to nostalgic shops and delicious food; there is something for everyone just around the corner. The show takes place Aug. 4, 5, and 6 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Come out and join in on the fun!