The scene - the 
Tucson Gem & Mineral Show - this is the show produced by the Tucson Gem & Mineral Society and the show that started it all!!!   It started as a public show and has remained a public show...however the vendors will accept wholesale orders from eligible buyers.
This is what makes the "public" shows a "must do" for me...you find the nicest vendors...they truly inspire the next generation of gem and mineral collectors...

This woman  spent quite a while talking to Cosmo and answering his questions about beads and gems!   ...can I get a collective - AWWWWWW!
...and then there is the hallway of schools and organizations - this was a display from the US Forestry Dept.  - kids could do rubbings of fossils!
You might be interested in the theme for the TGMS Show for 2011 - Minerals of California!  See you there: