Mountain Area Gem and Mineral Association
29th Land of the Sky, Gem, Mineral and Fossil Show
December 6th - 8th, 2024
Swannanoa, North Carolina

Photos by: Richard Jacquot and Lauren Bell

I would say our show was a huge success considering everything we were up against. The weather on Friday was freezing for our outside vendors. We put on our show in Swannanoa, which is currently a federal disaster area. We did not know what to expect for turnout, or if people would come out in the aftermath of the hurricane.

Friday was slow, but Saturday and Sunday were fantastic! People came from all over to hang out and shop with us. Many of my customers were local, and many of them had horror stories from the storm. All of them were happy to see us back at the Shriners camp, and I am glad we were there.

One thing we were focused on at this show was trying to help the victims and survivors of the Swannanoa and Black Mountain area. We held a fundraiser during the show to generate some money to be donated. I want to thank the vendors, and members of the Mountain Area Gem and Mineral Association and the Southern Appalachian Mineral Society for donating many very nice items for our grand prize. We took in over $1,000 which will be divided between the Black Mountain/Swannanoa C.O.C. Foundation and the Friends and Neighbors of Swannanoa. Both of these groups are helping victims of Helene.

I also want to thank Bradley Schott, Bradley is our ATM vendor and donated a nice amount from his earnings from the ATM machine to our fundraiser.

Pam Martin was our big winner. Congratulations Pam!

I put together a display of North and South Carolina gems and minerals to show people what can be found right here in our Appalachian Mountains.

Logan and Amanda having fun.

Mark and Carol, Driftwood Silver and Stones.

Brenton, East Coast Fossils and Minerals.

Alex, Mineral Mecca.

Paige

Keith, Thompson's Minerals.

Stephen and Mallory, Natural Born Jewelers.

Jessica, crystal potential.

Grover always has the best shirts!

Kathy and one of her awesome animal paintings.

A young treasure hunter.

Stan and Kim, who make all the excellent food we get to eat during the show.

Stan and Kim cook the food. This guy is the boss!

The Jacquot & Son Mining booth.

Phil with some cool NC minerals.

Randy with a nice selection of material.

Ryan and Red Deer, the gemstone gangstas!

Page 2

Back to MAGMA