Gem, mineral show coming

Conejo Gem and Mineral Club will host its 29th annual "Pageant of a Thousand Gems" from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat., May 17 and from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sun., May 18 at Borchard Community Center, 190 Reino Road, Newbury Park. Admission and parking are free.

There will be about 60 displays showcasing the talents and artistic skills of club members and guest exhibitors. Dealers will be offering a variety of gems, minerals, fossils, stone beads, silver craft and other finished jewelry, tools and lapidary supplies and books about all aspects of earth science.

Among the demonstrations will be lapidary techniques, making glass beads, bead stringing, gold wire artistry, rock polishing and other arts. On Saturday, club member Manuel Valdez (who teaches math at Thousand Oaks High School) will demonstrate how to make a cabochon using a genie grinding apparatus, while club member Dr. Arnie Rudman will demonstrate soap stone carving techniques.

Fun and educational games will be available in the Youth Pavilion with rock-related prizes, grab bags for sale and opportunities to do crafts.

A silent auction of rock-related treasures will be conducted periodically throughout the event, and there will be hourly door prizes. A snack bar and plant table featuring potted plants "at bargain prices" round out the festivities.

For more information, please call (805) 482-2510.