Big gem and mineral show planned in Kalispell

Two North Valley rock clubs have joined forces to put on a combined Gold, Gem and Mineral Show March 9-10 at the Flathead County Fairgrounds.

This is the 12th annual show of its kind. There will be a special display of the cast of a fossil skeleton of a Struthiomimus dinosaur, nick named “Margie,” found at Glendive.

Northwest Montana Rock Chucks Rock Club and Northwest Montana Gold Prospectors Club, both based in Kalispell, along with the Two Medicine Dinosaur Museum in Bynum, are organizing the family-friendly event.

Hours will be 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, March 9, and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 10, at the Expo Building at the south end of the fairgrounds in Kalispell.

Items of interest include:

- Intact 30-foot-long dinosaur skeleton on display

- Northwest Montana Gold Prospectors Club will share information on club-owned gold claims near Libby

- Fluorescent minerals display

- Personal collection of members mineral specimens, fossils, arrowhead and lapidary items

- Activities for children and adults including a gem “dig” and gold panning

- A “Touch Me” table with specimens that can be handled

- Hourly door prizes and raffles

- Silent auction selling a variety of club member specimens

- Over 20 vendors selling mineral specimens form around the world, fossils, jewelry, beads, lapidary rough, and prospecting equipment

Admission is free for children through eighth grade; $2 for adults(high-school age and up). Each ticket is an opportunity to win a door prize(adults) or a turn at the activities table (children).