Grotto to host 3rd Annual Rock, Gem and Jewelry Show
By KATIE LEFEBVRE
Globe staff writer
Posted September 5, 2002

WEST BEND - The third annual Rock, Gem and Jewelry Show will be hosted by the Grotto Sept. 20 thru Sept. 22.

In the past, there was small attendance due to weather so this year the hope is that there will be better weather, commented Diane Streit, associate director at the Grotto. The West Bend Chamber of Commerce is having the Fall Back to West Bend that same weekend.

"We hope that both events will assist each other in bringing people into the community," said Streit.

During the Rock, Gem and Jewelry Show, different vendors will display jewelry items made out of rocks, gems and stones. Other vendors will have fossils and several kinds of rocks.

"What they do is come with their wares and set up a booth and people can come by," said Streit. "Some of the vendors are just there wanting children to get excited about it. They might have fossils or small stones that they are just simply giving away to get a geological interest for the children. Others are those that are very serious buyers and vendors and that is what they do for a living and go to different shows. They will sell their wares and trade."

The event started after they heard about different rock and gem shows and swaps throughout the country and thought it would be "appropriate to have one in one of the geological wonders of the world," noted Streit.

"It not only brings people in for the event, but then they can also see this magnificent structure that has been built from the very things that they show interest in," said Streit.

On Sept. 20, there will be an education day for children to learn about rocks, gems and fossils. The rock saw and rock tumbler will be going so the children can see the processes in action. The children will also be able to see the vendors make jewelry out of the rocks. The regular guided tours will be going on as well during the day.

Father Verne Stapenhorst is going to be giving educational presentations. He has a wealth of knowledge in geology. Striet noted, he was a teacher so he is going to be sharing some of that knowledge.

"I think they really learn that there is such a wide variety of different stones and rocks and gems," commented Streit. "The Iowa geode for example, has a rough appearance on the outside, but when you break it open it is absolutely beautiful. It shows the children that there is a lot of beauty that can be found in these rocks. Geological nature is something that has gone to the wayside in our computer age and this brings kids back to nature."

The event is open to the public. This year there are a couple bus groups and school groups that are attending. Pocahontas Catholic will be attending along with other schools. It is preferred that there is prior notice with larger groups. After viewing presentations along with the rocks, gems and jewelry, student groups and others are welcome to have a picnic by the pond.

Included in the selling of jewelry, rocks and gems, the Grotto will be selling assorted Grotto inventory items that they were unable to use in the Grotto structure.

"That is something that is sometimes a big draw," said Streit. "They can take a little piece of the Grotto with them."

Besides the Rock, Gem and Jewelry Show, the Fall Back to West Bend is being held in the community at the same time.. There are a couple of events that are tied in with that on the Grotto grounds. Those include the Boji Brothers Band (Sept. 21), Firemen's Barbecue (Sept. 22) and a tribute to America variety show for all ages featuring the Redemption Singers (Sept. 22).