CREEDE – Rockhounds from around the globe will be venturing to Creede next weekend for the annual Creede Rock and Mineral Show on Aug. 2-4.
The Creede and Mineral County Underground Community Center will be transformed into a geologists' dream for three full days beginning Friday, Aug. 2.
Well over 40 vendors will line the rock hewn halls of the community center offering tales of discovery, snippets of geological lore and of course, rock and mineral of all shapes and sizes.
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 bed-and-breakfasts.
Proceeds from exhibitors' fees benefit the Creede Underground Community Center and the Creede-Mineral County Chamber of Commerce and 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.
This event features many opportunities to learn about rocks and minerals, even beginner rockhounds will enjoy this show. Vendors bring specimens from all over the world to showcase during the event and are on hand to answer questions and tell tales of how the specimens were collected.
The event begins on Friday, Aug. 2, and goes from 10 a.m. to 5 each day through Sunday. For a full schedule of events and more information, visit www.creede.com.
