Earth's finest on display
AEONS in the making, some of the finest gemstones available in Queensland will be ours to enjoy at this weekend's huge Rockfest, to be held at gemstone central, Kybong, starting today.
Entry is free, but organisers John and Cecile Steenbergen will welcome any donations and other support which can be offered - all of it to be passed on to local community groups and gem clubs.
The annual rock and mineral festival will run all weekend, with entertainment, activities, demonstrations and displays.
It may have started small, but Mr Steenbergen says the event has become a monster.
"There'll be more than 60 stalls showing a huge range of rocks, minerals, fossils, opals, jewellery and lapidary equipment," he said.
Even rock-related and other healing methods will be on display, including crystal healing, massage, Reiki, Photo Aura and readings.
"There'll be plenty of interest there for people curious about alternative healing," he said.
"We'll have gold panning, gem sieving and silver wire wrapping demonstrations as well."
Dance and martial arts displays will all be part of the show, with a cent auction on Sunday at 1pm, in aid of the RSPCA.
Entertainment in the form of face painting, bubble blowing, shadow puppets, puppet lessons, a treasure hunt and many other activities will be a major feature of the event, just to keep the kids well and truly occupied.
In addition to the Steenbergen's huge collection of some of the world's most captivatingly beautiful rocks, other collections will be on display (and in some cases on sale) throughout the weekend show.
The Kybong Rock and Mineral Fest will be held on the corner of Lobwein Rd and the Bruce Hwy, just to Gympie's south.
The Steenbergen's rock shop is open from 9am.
