The Ventura Gem and Mineral Society (VGMS) will host its 44th annual Gem, Mineral, Lapidary and Fossil Show from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sat., March 4 and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sun., March 5 at Seaside Park, Ventura County Fairgrounds. Admission is free. The show is the society’s major annual fundraising event and helps to underwrite their educational activities.

The show features displays of gems, minerals, fossils and handcrafted jewelry. A special highlight is a collection of minerals that glow in the dark. Ongoing demonstrations give visitors upclose looks at the lapidary arts, including wire wrapping, silversmithing, sphere making, gemstone polishing and faceting.

The two-day event will feature doors prizes and video presentations as well as a flea market, plant sale and dealers selling all manner of rocks, jewelry and fossils. A wide range of children’s activities and games will offer fun and educational prizes, according to show chair Jim Brace-Thompson of the VGMS.

VGMS hosts monthly lectures on earth science topics and lapidary arts, makes presentations to area schools and conducts field trips for members and guests that often involve collecting rocks, minerals and fossils.

For further information, call Brace-Thompson at (805) 6593577.