Rock, Gem and Jewelry Market returns to Maple Ridge on Saturday

Everything sparkly and colourful will be on display down at the Albion Fairgrounds on Saturday as the Maple Ridge Lapidary Club hosts its annual Rock, Gem and Jewelry Market.

This all-ages event will include nearly 30 vendors selling a variety of handmade jewelry, gems, rocks, and other similar items, explained club member Walter Pinder.

“There will be a display of soapstone carvings and people will have the chance to buy and crack open a white geode,” said Pinder.

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In addition to doing some shopping, participants can also decide which club member will be named the winner of the People’s Choice award.

This award is given to the Maple Ridge Lapidary Club member whose cabochon receives the most votes from the public.

There will also be an opportunity for both kids and adults alike to paint their best whales on a collection of rocks.

Hourly door prizes will be given out throughout the event, and the club will be showing off its Mine-Ores program, which Pinder explained is a youth group within the Maple Ridge Lapidary Club for kids between the ages of six and 16. In their latest projects, the kids have used an egg carton to put together their own rock collections, which will be on display for all to see, explained Pinder.

The Agri Mexican Cantina food truck will also be outside the venue while the market is underway.

The Rock, Gem and Jewelry Market will take place at the Albion Fairgrounds (23588 Jim Robson Way) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 23. Entry is by donation, with free parking available on site.

“We look forward to seeing the public out there,” said Pinder.

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After the rock and gem show this weekend, the Maple Ridge Lapidary Club will next be at the National Tree Day event in Maple Ridge Park on Sept. 27, where club members will be on site with an information booth and various activities to help entertain the public.

READ MORE: Tree planting event in Maple Ridge Park coming up