Rock lovers unite in Ventura

The 46th annual Gem, Mineral, Lapidary and Fossil Show of the Ventura Gem and Mineral Society will take place starting at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 1 and Sunday, March 2 at Seaside Park, Ventura County Fairgrounds. Admission is free.

The show features 50 displays of gems, minerals, fossils and jewelry from private collections throughout Southern California.

Ongoing demonstrations given by lapidary artists include wire wrapping, gemstone cutting and polishing, silversmithing, and glass bead forging. Raffle prizes, silent auctions, a flea market, plant sale and children's activities will also be at the event.

All children attending the show will receive a free polished stone. Other kid-related activities include sand-sifting for gems and fossil shark teeth, a spinning wheel with rock prizes and a paint-a-fossil station.

For more information, call Abe Bar-Shai at (818) 991-7735 or visit www.vgms.org.