fifth annual family fun rock and gem show

The Kingsport Gems and Minerals Society is presenting a fun afternoon of geology related activities for all ages. We invite everyone to attend our free annual event at Bays Mountain Nature Center in Kingsport, TN. There will be no charge to enter Bays Mountain Park or attend the show taking place both Saturday and Sunday ... July 12^th and 13^th. The activities are going on from 1 to 5 P.M. on both days so you can spend as little or as long a time as you wish. This is a great family or group activity as well.

As in years past, there will be displays of many interesting rocks and minerals for visitors to look over and learn about. Exotic crystals, fluorescent minerals and gorgeous micro-mounted specimens to view under a stereo microscope are just the beginning. You can watch club members facet a gem stone or polish a colorful agate in a cabbing demonstration. Geodes will be available for purchase, with special equipment on hand to crack it in half revealing beautiful crystals inside your rock. Group members will also demonstrate wire wrapping and jewelry making techniques. A special sandbox "seeded" with neat rocks will be available for young children to hunt through. You can even bring in an unknown rock for identification. Every half hour, everyone present will be eligible for a free drawing for prizes.

For the collector and budding rock hound, inexpensive specimens will be available for "dirt" cheap prices. Teachers can sign up for a free classroom specimen kit that will be delivered to them before school resumes for the Fall. This has been an outstanding educational outreach annual event for the Kingsport Gems and Minerals Society and we appreciate the assistance of the Bays Mountain Park Staff in allowing us to use the facilities at Bays Mountain Nature Center. So if your planning a visit to Bays Mountain to attend nature program, ride the lake barge and attend a planetarium show remember that this July 1i^h and 13^th there are some special free activities to add to your enjoyment. Y'all come!

Bays Mountain is located offJ-26 at exit 3 (old 18] exit 52). Follow the park signs along Reservoir Rd. for roughly 3 miles to the park entrance. If needed, you can contact the park at 423-229-9447.