Location:
Polk County Fairgrounds, 520 S. Pacific Hwy, Rickreall, OR 97371

Our annual show features dealers, demonstrators, presentations, a fluorescent exhibit and display cases showcasing rocks and minerals from around the world, plus many fun games at our Kid’s Corner on all three event days.

Friday – Sunday: Silent Auction

Saturday, 1:00pm: Treasure hunt for ages 11 and under

Wrapped in Luster
Wire Wrapping

Bohemian Rock Treasures
Rock Tumbling

Willamette Valley Miners
Gold Panning

Tom Bohmker
Saturday, April 18, 11:30 am

You Can Find Your Own Gold This Summer with Adventure
Gold prospector, underground miner, small mind consultant, mining historian, author, and lecturer, Tom caught gold fever at 7 years of age when his family visited a friend’s gold mine in Nevada. After college he found employment as an underground miner, mill operator, millwright, and mining technician at several different gold, silver, mercury, and underground coal mines.  Later he started a small mining and consultant business and manufactured and sold portable mining equipment from his store.  He has prospected and mined gold in 11 western states and Venezuela.  He is an experienced placer miner, gold dredger, and has worked at pocket mines in Oregon, California, Montana, and Idaho.

Laura Joki
Saturday, April 18, 2:00pm

We’re pleased to have Laura Joki, science educator, mine owner, lapidarist, author, and owner of Rock Your World: Rock Shop, Jewelry Studio, Online Boutique & Guided Tours sharing her knowledge. Spend an hour with Laura as she explores the interesting world of rocks, fossils and gems of the Pacific Northwest. As Laura shares her expertise with us, be prepared to learn something new. This presentation is aimed at anyone with an interest in the natural world, whether you’re just starting out, or already have a wealth of knowledge. Laura’s perspective will deepen your understanding and appreciation of the fascinating realm of geology, rocks and gems.

Hans Neukomm, Jr.
Sunday, April 19, 10:30 am

Oregon Sunstones
Hans, owner and operator of Neukomm Rock & Gem shop in Corvallis, Oregon, will present about Oregon Sunstones. Neukomm Rock & Gem specializes in Oregon Sunstones and features both retail gallery (with many of their own creations) and a full-service lapidary, offering cutting and polishing, cabbing, carving, faceting and more. Hans also owns a sunstone mine, works for Spectrum sunstone mines, and has added a new business with a Mining Mobile Sluice. Hans was born and raised in Oregon and is also a dual citizen with Switzerland. Hans has always believed in giving back to the community and has served on numerous boards in Corvallis and Philomath, Oregon leadership in Corvallis, Benton County Fairgrounds, Philomath Chamber of Commerce, The Order of the Antelope and Boy Scouts of America. 

Bob Oblack
Sunday, April 19, 12:00 pm

Fluorescent Minerals
Bob joined the Clackamette Mineral & Gem Club in February 2006, the same year he retired from Tektronix. Bob has an associate degree in Electrical Engineering and is proud to be called a science nerd. After retiring, he attended Dr. Bill Orr and Sheila Alfsen geology classes at Chemeketa Community College to better understand the science that underlies our rockhounding hobby. For Bob, it is “the thrill of the hunt” that drives his passion for rockhounding. He joined the North American Research Group (NARG) Fossil Club and the Fluorescent Mineral Society (FMS) to add breadth and depth to “the thrill”. Before moving to Salem in 2021, Bob spent many years living next to the Molalla River. With support from the Molalla Culture and Art Committee he created two videos. These videos discuss the Columbia River Basalt (CRB) flows and geologic points of interest within the Wild and Scenic Molalla River Corridor. They also trace the CRB flows from the Molalla River Corridor to the Pacific Ocean.