Jessica Lewis
For The New Era
The Sweet Home Rock and Gem Show celebrate its 60th year this weekend, March 29 and 30, at the Sweet Home High School Activity Gym.
The show will feature petrified wood demonstrations as well as other rock displays.
“At least half of the rocks displayed (in the past) were found in Sweet Home,” said Bob Waibel, a member of the Sweet Home Rock and Mineral Society. “We have one of the richest sources of petrified wood and agate of any place.”
Waibel said the show usually draws about 2,000 people, and many come both days.
His wife Mona said that the Sweet Home area is rich for those interested in rocks and minerals.
“Probably the reason (the show) got started is because there are so many types of rocks in this area, especially petrified wood,” Mona said. “I think people were interested in all the petrified woods and agates. There’s probably more species of rocks here to look for than most areas.”
The Waibels joined the organization in 1961, making them the oldest continuous members. The rock and gem show has remained mostly unchanged since they joined, although there are more dealers and less displayers now, Mona said.
The show used to be competitive, as displays were judged and awards were announced at a banquet following the show, Bob said. A couple of years ago, however, the competition and banquet were discontinued and the show began to feature more sellers and less displayers.
“Some of the older people who displayed passed away and the new people didn’t display competitively,” Bob said.
Now, displays can win People’s Choice awards for first and second place. Attendees write down the number of their favorite display and the two with the most votes are announced on Sunday afternoon.
In addition to displays, the show also offers a silent auction, raffle drawings every two hours, and the chance to spin a wheel and win a prize.
For the last three years, Bob has displayed a meteorite that Mona’s father found in Sweet Home and a basketball-sized chunk of holly blue agate with a crystal pocket inside, which he says is very rare. He plans on showing both again at the upcoming event.
“It’s a hobby you can do and not spend a lot of money, and it’s very educational,” Mona said.
The show will begin at 10 a.m. on both days. It will end at 6 p.m. on Saturday and 4 p.m. on Sunday. Cost is 50 cents per person. The Activities Gym is located behind the high school between the new gym and the school. Signs will be posted to direct visitors.