BEDFORD — One of Southern Indiana’s most anticipated summer traditions is returning to the Lawrence County Fairgrounds next month. The Lawrence County Rock Club has announced the official dates for its 61st Annual Gem, Mineral, and Fossil Show, welcoming families, hobbyists, and curious explorers for a full weekend of treasure hunting and geology.
The three-day event is completely free to attend, and organizers note that parking at the fairgrounds is also free of charge.
The annual show transforms the fairgrounds into an educational marketplace, featuring hundreds of vendor tables from local and out-of-state displayers. Attendees can browse a massive selection of unique items, including:
- Vibrant gems, loose crystals, and custom handcrafted jewelry.
- Ancient fossils, polished rocks, and geodes are native to Indiana’s limestone country.
- Colorful beads, rockhound tools, and specialized lapidary (stone-cutting) equipment.
- Educational materials tailored specifically for school science fairs and local 4-H projects.
Beyond shopping, the event serves as an interactive learning hub. Visitors are encouraged to bring in their own mysterious backyard finds, as experts will be on hand providing free rock and mineral identification services throughout the weekend. Members of the Indiana Society of Paleontology are also scheduled to be present on Saturday at 2:00 p.m. to discuss prehistoric life and regional fossil hunting.
The event will be held completely indoors, keeping attendees sheltered from the summer heat. Classic fairground food vendors will be stationed on-site to keep shoppers energized.
| Date | Gate Opening Time | Gate Closing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Friday, June 26 | 10:00 a.m. | 6:30 p.m. |
| Saturday, June 27 | 9:00 a.m. | 6:30 p.m. |
| Sunday, June 28 | 10:00 a.m. | 4:00 p.m. |
The Lawrence County Fairgrounds are located southwest of Bedford at 11265 W. US Highway 50. From Route 37: Drivers heading north or south on State Road 37 should take the exit for US Highway 50 West (just south of the city). Travel west on US-50 for approximately 0.6 miles, and the fairgrounds entrance will be clearly visible on the right-hand side.
All proceeds from vendor fees and donations collected during the weekend are directly reinvested by the Lawrence County Rock Club into regional educational initiatives and earth science scholarships.
For additional information regarding vendor space, group attendance, or display rules, community members can reach out directly to coordinator Kathy Shaffer at 812-929-5367 or visit lawrencecountyrockclub.org.
