Between a rock and a hard place

While you're out and about at this year's Mountain Festival, be sure to stop by the Tehachapi Valley Gem and Mineral Society's 13th annual Jewelry, Gem and Mineral Show at the Tehachapi SENIOR CENTER. Vendors will be showing and selling beautiful showcase minerals, fossils, polished rocks, beads and handmade jewelry. With a variety of vendors and displays, visitors will have the opportunity to investigate lapidary techniques, minerals and gems, silversmithing, a variety of unique jewelry, fossils and flint knapping techniques. Come out and enjoy the Gem Show Aug. 18 and 19 from 9 to 5 p.m. at Tehachapi SENIOR CENTER (500 E. F Street) in downtown Tehachapi.

Back by popular demand, TVGMS is again selling raffle tickets for a gorgeous purple, crystal Amethyst cathedral (valued at $1,600!) as well as second and third place Amethyst geodes. The show will be your final opportunity to purchase a ticket. The winning tickets will be drawn on Sunday Aug. 19 at 3 p.m. You do not need to be present to win.

In addition to shopping the wares of the vendors and investigating TVGMS, visitors will have the opportunity to spin the always popular spinning wheel with many exceptional prizes. Spin the $1 or $5 wheel for great lapidary prizes such as fossilized shark's teeth and ammonites, and beautiful minerals, and polished rocks. There will also be additional raffles featuring many beautiful and distinctive items from the various show vendors.

This year TVGMS will be holding several silent auctions over the weekend. Be sure to stop by the Senior Center patio and bid on gorgeous rock slabs from the local area, lapidary tools, handcrafted jewelry and other rockhounding items.

TVGMS will have drinks available for a nominal price as well as TVGMS T-shirts. Bring the kids by for a fun and educational experience.

See our ad in the special Mountain Festival edition of The Loop, clip and bring the coupon to the show for a free fossilized shark's tooth!

If all this sounds like something you would like to be involved in, join TVGMS for its regular meetings the fourth Thursday of each month at Tehachapi SENIOR CENTER (500 E. F Street) at 7 p.m. TVGMS is a nonprofit organization of rock hounds interested in lapidary studies such as rocks, fossils and jewelry making. Follow us on Facebook or at http://www.TVGMS.org. Come out and get involved!