Gem and Mineral Show at Fundy Geological Museum in Parrsboro

Nova Scotian and visiting rockhounds and geoscience enthusiasts will gather this weekend in Parrsboro for one of the oldest gem and mineral shows in Canada.

The 49th annual Nova Scotia Gem and Mineral Show, also known as the Parrsboro Rockhound Roundup, will take place Aug. 15-17 at the Parrsboro Lion's Recreation Centre and the Fundy Geological Museum. With more than 30 vendors of gems, jewelry and artisan metal work, the show allows geoscientists and organizations to meet visitors.

"Every year exhibitors from Nova Scotia are joined by those from New Brunswick, Ontario, Quebec, and Maine to take in the Maritime hospitality and meet new and old friends," said Tim Fedak, director and curator at Fundy Geological Museum. "The gem and mineral show is a chance for people to see some pretty spectacular mineral specimens, precious stones, jewelry and fossils from all across the Atlantic region."

This year, three local geoscientists will lead field trips.

• John Calder will lead a trip to East Bay on Friday at 11:30 a.m.
• Howard Donohoe will lead a trip to Five Islands on Saturday at 12:30 p.m.
• Ken Adams will lead a trip to Clarke Head on Sunday at 10:30 a.m.

"There's no better way to learn about the province's geological heritage than to interact with leading experts and enthusiasts from around the region," said Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister Tony Ince. "I thank the organizers and countless volunteers that work hard to make the show a memorable experience every year."

The Fundy Geological Museum also has special events scheduled throughout the weekend for children, including panning for gold on Friday at 2 p.m., seeing the animals of the Maritime Reptile Zoo on Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m., and horse rides on Sunday from 11 a.m.-1 p.m.

For more information, go to http://fundygeological.novascotia.ca/GemShow or visit the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/nsgemandmineralshow .