For those about to hunt rocks, we salute you. And for those interested in the beautiful world of rocks and minerals, two Park County clubs are putting out the invitations for the Fifth Annual Bighorn Basin Rock Show at the Park County Fairgrounds.

The fun starts on Friday, May 29 from 1 to 7 p.m. at Heart Mountain Hall. It continues Saturday, May 30 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will be demonstrations by area artisans and myriad variety of rocks, semi-precious stones, jewelry, minerals and fossils.

“This year’s show will have something for everyone who enjoys rocks, minerals and fossils,” said Shoshone Rock Club President and show co-director Ilene Olson. “Nature does some amazing things. Something that looks colorless and boring on the outside can have beautiful colors and intricate designs inside.”

The show is packed this year, with a dozen vendors (including four never seen in Powell before), five educators, four demonstrators and several exciting events for the kiddos. For the first time the Buffalo Bill Center of the West will join as an educator. The Draper
Natural History Museum’s Larry Oliveria will also do fossil identification, so bring in your rare finds.

Also joining the team as educators are the Greybull Dino Center, the Park County Library, the Washakie Museum of Worland and rock-hounder favorite, Doc Ellis, who will be available to identify all those rocks and minerals that have you stumped.

Cool new presenters, “T Rex” Mike Dawson of Ranchester, will be showing off the dangerous business end of dinosaur predators and Montana’s Luke Rudolph carves agates. Dan Dalton will also be on hand for flint-knapping demonstrations and Gary “the Blind Lapidarist” Olson will show his method of creating cabochons.

New vendors include Clark’s own Ed and Kay McNamara, who make jewels, cabochons, beads and leather creations from their company, Partners. Also scheduled is Number 8 Turquoise Co. owned and operated by Adam Messenger who collects turquoise from around the world. The dozen diverse vendors shucking their wares will have samples of Wyoming jade, opals, rock slabs, jewelry, crystals, stone beads, fossils, mineral specimens and much more.

Club “wrangler of vendors” Denise Holbert said it’s great to have new presentations and vendors, to keep the show fresh. She also has a soft spot for Wyoming natives.

“We have vendors from across the West, but we like to try to show off our local people,” she said.

Activities are available for children as well. In the children’s activity room, kids can paint rocks, search for hidden treasures in sand, and start a rock scavenger hunt. Educational features include an ultraviolet rock and mineral display, rock identification by Ellis, and displays by Wild West Dino Den (Greybull’s new dinosaur museum).

The show is hosted jointly by the Shoshone Rock Club of Powell and the Cody 59ers Rock Club.

“The rock show offers our community a chance to explore the geologic wonders of our region, meet the experts, and take home a treasure or two,” said Cody 59ers President Greg Jones.

And, when hunger interrupts the fun, show-goers can head outside and dine with the Sons of the American Legion, who will be selling juicy burgers and fat brats both days. A full meal, including a hot sandwich, chips and a drink is available for less than $10, Ilene Olson said.

Admission is $5 for adults; free admission for children 12 and under.