Gemboree to honor miners on June 21

The fourth annual Prospectors’ Gemboree and eighth annual Famous Crater Diamonds Exhibition will celebrate the feats of diamond miners in Arkansas.

The June 21 celebration will feature games and activities for all ages, including the annual treasure hunt for prize bottles and rocks hidden throughout the search area and Facets of Fun Photo Scavenger Hunt.

Children and adults can join in a variety of games throughout the day.

“Kids will enjoy our ever-popular Diamond Digging Contest and Diamond Toss, while all ages can team up for our egg toss, relay race and famous watermelon seed-spitting contest. Prizes will be awarded to top contenders in each game, and a full game schedule will be available at the park during the event,” said Waymon Cox, park interpreter.

The Famous Crater Diamonds Exhibition will be 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Diamond Discovery Center classroom.

“Meet many crater diamond finders and collectors and hear the stories behind the finds during this rare display of beautiful diamonds found in Arkansas,” Cox said.

Guests at this year’s special exhibit will include the following:

David Anderson—Crater diamond miner who found the 3.83carat yellow Wolverine Diamond and the 6.19-carat white Limitless Diamond

Jim Graham—Longtime Crater diamond miner who has found dozens of diamonds during 30 years of visiting the park

Adam Hardin—Crater diamond miner from Ohio who has found more than 100 crater diamonds

Jim and Shelly Houran— Collectors of many of the crater’s largest and most beautiful uncut diamonds

Sam and Dolly Johnson— Local business owners and crater diamond collectors

Kenny and Melissa Oliver— Crater diamond miners who found the 2.44-carat white Silver Moon Diamond

All games and activities are free with purchase of mine admission: $8 for ages 13 and older; $5 for ages 6-12; ages 5 and younger are free).

For more information, contact Crater of Diamonds State Park at 870-285-3113 or craterofdiamonds@arkansas.com