Gem, mineral and fossil show returns
Adults can browse tables from 24 dealers, while kids can dig for their own treasures
The Kawartha Rock and Fossil Club holds its 29th annual Peterborough Gem, Mineral and Fossil Show on Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both days at the Healthy Planet Arena, 911 Monaghan Rd.
The purpose of the show is to promote a greater appreciation of Canada’s natural resources and to promote the hobby of rock collecting and the lapidary arts, according to Mark Stanley, show chair. Admission is $5, and children under 12 are free if accompanied by an adult.
“We will have 24 dealers from across Ontario and Quebec who will be selling minerals, fossils, rocks, crystals, meteorites, gemstones, equipment, books, faceted stones, gemstone jewelry, beads and much more,” said Stanley.
Karen Fox, a professional gemologist, will be providing complimentary gem identification. Club members will also be available to identify any minerals and fossils that the public would like to bring in for identification.
A large area will also showcase mineral displays from members of the Kawartha club and prominent Ontario collectors, along with the Kawartha club’s Annual Best Collected Specimen Competition. There are four silent auctions each day, two of which are organized for kids only to bid on.
To involve children in the hobby of rock collecting, the popular sand box mine is a free activity where they can dig for rocks, minerals and fossils that they can keep. Throughout the collecting season, club members set aside hundreds of kilograms of rock samples that will be used to “salt the mine” throughout the weekend.
“It is our hope that by getting rocks and minerals into the hands of children that we will spark an interest in the world around us. There is no cost for kids to take part,” said Stanley.
Club members will be on hand to help identify the treasures.
“In past years we’ve had 5,000 visitors to the show, which helps to fulfil our mission to cultivate an appreciation for our natural resources and to share the scientific knowledge behind the minerals,” he said.
Free parking is available. For more information, visit kawartharockandfossilclub.com.
Snofest Mayor’s Pancake Breakfast
The recent Snofest Mayor’s Pancake Breakfast at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre served 348 people, which was more than double than the previous year, according to Lesley Parnell, city councillor, Otonabee Ward.
“All the food was prepared by the East Peterborough Lions,” said Parnell. “It was incredible to see so many families and seniors coming out and socializing. The gym was full of kids playing games. We are truly rebounding from the pandemic, which warms my heart.”
String quartet
The Peterborough Symphony String Quartet will perform on Sunday at Mapleridge Recreation Centre, 1085 Brealey Dr. Doors open at 1:30 p.m. Light refreshments are available and the music starts at 2 p.m. The cost is $15. For more information, visit mapleridgerecreationcentre.com.
March break Camps
March break camp at the Peterborough Sport and Wellness Centre, 775 Brealey Dr., is from March 11 to 15, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. with extended supervised time available from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
The camp is for children 4 to 11 years of age, with a daily recreational swim, themed activities and games, indoor and outdoor challenges, gym play, arts, crafts, drama and more.
PA Day camps are offered March 8, April 8 and June 7 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with extended supervised time available from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. for children ages 4 to 11. For more information, visit peterborough.ca.