Unique stores converge at showground for Gemfest

GEMS and crystals from around the country will be on show when Lismore Gemfest returns to the showground on May 17 and 18.

About 140 stalls are expected at the two-day event, which is believed to be the largest gem and lapidary show in regional Australia.

Lismore Gem and Lapidary Club vice-president Jenny Vryenhoek said the volunteer-run festival continued to grow.

“We’ll have at least 140 stalls and that’s not even including all the food vendors,” she said.

“A lot of them travel around Australia on the circuit and they all aim to bring something different.

She said club members who attend the national show each year believe Lismore’s event may now be the biggest in the country.

 

Beads, stones and lapidary equipment will be on sale, and the popular fossicking hill will again return for children.

A kids’ colouring competition will be on display in the pavilion, with fossicking kits and crystals on offer for the top entries.

There will also be lapidary demonstrations and information about how to join the club.

“It’s one of those events where finish and already have plans on the table for next year,” Vryenhoek said.

There will be lucky gate prizes which will also be drawn on Sunday at 3pm.

A free shuttle bus is also in operation this year, running in a loop between Lismore Transit Centre and Alexander Parade.

For the timetable and other information on the events visit lismoregemfest.com.au