Visitors Flock to Rock and Gem Show at Hart Park

Crystals of all colors, polished mineral specimens of every shape and description, fascinating fossils – there's a world of wonder awaiting at the Wisconsin Geological Society's 55th annual Rock and Gem Show, Saturday and Sunday at .

Paul Schmidt, show chairman and a Wauwatosa resident, said there are 25 exhibitors this year from as near as the neighborhood to as far away as Arizona.

"We try to keep it fairly local; Minnesota, Iowa, Illinois and mostly Wisconsin," Schmidt said. "I think we have one person from Michigan."

Schmidt expects about 750 adult visitors and 300 to 400 children this year.

Specimens are for sale, for pennies on the pound to thousands of dollars for the very rare and beautiful.

Among vendors from nearby is Allen Prill of Crystal Treasures in Wauwatosa.

"We only show here, once a year," said his daughter Leann Frodermann. "It's just out of the home, but he's quite a collector."

Besides seeing specimens, visitors can learn about geology at a booth presented by the UWM Geosciences Department and even see how prospectors pan for gold.

The show continues until 5 p.m. Saturday and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Muellner Building.

Admission is $3 for adults or two for $5; children younger than 16 accompanying adults may enter free.