Creede Rock and Mineral Show
Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, August 2-4, 2024
10 am-5 pm • Underground Mining Museum
The public is invited to attend • FREE ADMISSION
Over forty exhibitors will be showing and selling a fascinating array of gems, geodes, fossils, silver ore, turquoise nuggets, Australian opals, beads, jewelry, and stone carvings plus all types of rock and mineral specimens from around the world will intrigue viewers, buyers, collectors, and rockhounds of all ages.
Knowledgeable individuals will be on hand at the Rock and Mineral Show to help identify specimens and to discuss the geology of Mineral County, which holds a wide variety of unusual features like volcanic dikes and vents, the famous Wheeler Geologic Area (a classic ash deposit), and the Creede Fossil Formation. Evening Programs are Friday and Saturday at 7pm.
Saturday: Snowshoe Shuffle 5k Run & Walk
Proceeds from exhibitors' fees benefit the Creede Underground Community Center and the Creede/Mineral County Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center. The tunnels and caverns of the Underground Mining Museum, Community Center, and Fire Station were blasted into the solid rock walls of Willow Creek Canyon by three miners and volunteer helpers. The community project was completed in 1992. Creede is a geologic haven for amateurs and professionals. The 17-mile Bachelor Loop passes old town sites, mine buildings, and other relics of Mineral County's silver boom. The Last Chance Mine offers on-site tours and on-site rockhounding opportunities.
History of Rockhounding in Mineral County
Mineral County's geology has fueled a long legacy of interest and fascination from early day prospectors and surveyors to modern mining engineers and mineralogists and mining investors. One of the world's largest volcanic calderas created unusually rich ore deposits that eventually gave birth to the Creede mining district. Millions of dollars worth of silver, gold, lead, and zinc were extracted before the last mine closed in 1985. Creede, which survived fires, floods, and mining depressions, became known as the "little town that would not die." The spectacular Pillars of Hercules, remnants of an ancient rhyolite wall, frame Creede's bustling Main Street district. Victorian-era buildings today serve as gift shops, restaurants, galleries, and B&Bs.
In the News
Dealer / Exhibitor Info
The Creede Rock and Mineral Show is a juried show. If you are a first-time vendor, call or email for an application. You will be required to send photos of merchandise and displays, references, and Sales Tax/Vendor License number.
Show Setup: Thursday 9am-5pm (firm)
Show Takedown: Sunday 4pm-7pm
This is a juried/invitational show with a balanced variety of quality vendors of about 35. It is a retail show (not wholesale to the public). Vendors may show rocks, minerals, fossils, stone beads, art/sculpture stain glass, jewelry made with stone, tools, rock/geology books, and rock hound supplies. Instruction/demonstrations are encouraged. The show takes place at the Creede Underground Community Center.
Notes:
- Food on Site
- Chairs and Tables are available on request
- You are responsible for collecting and submitting sales tax (download application)
- This is a retail show, NOT wholesale to the public
- Call or email for an application to be considered for participation in the show
