RoundHound RoundUp | Deming Gem and Mineral Show | LasCruces.com

There’s no question that Deming, New Mexico, offers plenty to see and do. Expansive open spaces, including nearby state parks, are a playground for outdoor enthusiasts. There are also the historic components of the town’s storied past whose influence can be seen all around town. But it’s the natural resources around Deming that beg for attention. The second weekend in March is when you’ll find the annual RockHound RoundUp, hosted by the Deming Gem & Mineral Society. This four-day event attracts rock collectors and geologists to examine volcanic rocks, gems, and minerals, March 7 – 10, 2024.

RockHound RoundUp is devoted to geodes, gems, fossils, quartz, and other treasures of the earth. Rock collectors join fossil fans, jewelry makers, lapidaries, quartz traders, beaders, and people who simply admire rocks. The schedule includes a buyer’s market, silent and live auctions, displays, demonstrations and guided field trips for rock collecting and sampling. People travel from all around the world to attend this event, held at the Southwestern New Mexico State Fairgrounds. No one leaves empty-handed.

For kids, there are fossil diggings as well as educational exhibits and a spinning wheel with prizes. Adults can participate in gold prospecting demonstrations, guided field trips, and auctions.

Inaugurated in 1966, by the newly minted Deming Gem & Mineral Society, the show was held in conjunction with the dedication of Rock Hound State Park,  in the Little Florida Mountains. Co-sponsored by the Deming Chamber of Commerce, the rock show featured competitive and noncompetitive exhibits prepared by members and visiting exhibitors. Awards were given for excellence in several categories of mineral collecting, lapidary, fossils, artifacts, jewelry making and faceting. The following October, another show was introduced at the State Park. Called the RockHound RoundUp, it became the template for all rock shows to follow.

The Roundup has since gained national recognition and attracts hundreds of out-of-state and out-of-country visitors. Come for the rocks but take advantage of the fresh air, beautiful skies, and wealth of activities and amenities you’ll discover in Deming. 

Posted by LasCruces.com

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