CREEDE— Creede, in the heart of Mineral County, hosts its 18th Annual Rock and Mineral Show, Friday, Saturday and Sunday, August 2, 3 and 4 at the popular Underground Mining Museum. The public is invited to attend and admission is free.  
Over 40 exhibitors will be showing and selling a fascinating array of gems, geodes, fossils, silver ore, turquoise nuggets, Australian opals, beads, jewelry and stone carvings. All types of rock and mineral specimens from around the world will intrigue viewers, buyers, collectors, and rock hounds 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 will be held at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings. Friday, Rhonda Foles will discuss the unique geology of Creede. Saturday evening’s presentation has yet to be confirmed.
Mineral County’s geology has fueled a long legacy of interest and fascination from early day prospectors and mining entrepreneurs to modern day mineralologists 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.
The event benefits the Creede Underground Community Center and Mineral County Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center. In 1992 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 miners and volunteers. 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.
Creede offers a broad spectrum of restaurants and food services, and food will be available at the Rock and Mineral Show.
Visit www.Creede.com or the Creede/Mineral County Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center, 719-658-2374 for more information.