The pair of annual mineral and gem shows will soon make their way to Spruce Pine.
The 38th annual Grassy Creek Mineral and Gem Show will be at the Upper Skyview Circle property near Spruce Pine Chevy from Sunday, July 31 through Sunday, Aug. 7.
The free show is sponsored by and supports Parkway Fire and Rescue. Show organizers Donna Collis and Roger Frye have worked on the show for decades.
The gem show raises an average of $20,000 annually for Parkway Fire and Rescue. All proceeds go directly toward operating expenses.
The 63rd annual indoor NC Mineral and Gem Festival, sponsored by the Mitchell County Chamber of Commerce, will set up shop right down the road from Aug. 4-7 in the Spruce Pine Commons Shopping Center behind McDonald’s.
Thursday, Aug. 4 is opening day and the show is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Day two on Friday, Aug. 5 features the same hours but is also Senior Day during which anyone 65 and older gets in for $2.
On Saturday, Aug. 6, the show is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and the final day on Sunday, Aug. 7 is Mitchell County Day. The show is open from 12:30 to 5 p.m. on the final day and all locals get in for $2.
Each festival will feature dozens of mineral, gem and jewelry vendors, many of whom come from other counties and states to sell their wares.
For info about the indoor NC Mineral and Gem Festival, call 765-9033 or visit ncgemfest.com.
To learn about the outdoor Grassy Creek Mineral and Gem Show, call 765-2117 or go to grassycreekgemshow.org.