PARRSBORO – For decades, gem and mineral dealers from across the country and beyond have been coming to the Nova Scotia Gem and Mineral Show, and they return year after year.
“We have a great retention rate of our dealers, especially compared to other shows in the Maritimes that are still struggling,” said Carol Corbett, education co-ordinator at Fundy Geological Museum, which organizes the annual show. “Even though we’re trying to bring tourists to the show, the vendors themselves are tourists here in our community, and many of them stay for several extra days and make this part of their vacation.”
This year’s show will take place at the Lions Arena on Aug. 19-21.
Among the more than 30 vendors participating in this year’s show is Russ Perego of From Away Jewelry and Art, who will mark his eighth straight appearance at the show this year.
The popularity of the show is due to a combination of atmosphere and organization, according to Perego.
“It’s fun, friendly, and the vendors are just a nice bunch of people, kind of like a family,” he said. “It could be the Maritime flavor, but it’s just a loose, fun, friendly show. For a small show, it’s quite a high quality show too.”
This year’s show will carry a similar format as in previous years, according to Corbett, who said they would like to see more local people in attendance. As part of this effort, they are encouraging Citizen-Record readers to bring in a copy of this article in the Aug. 18 issue between 5-6:30 p.m. on Friday or Saturday in turn for free admission to the show.
(For the full story, including the show schedule, see the Aug. 18 issue of The Citizen-Record)
