If you like dinosaurs, you don’t want to miss the 2006 Houston Gem and Mineral Society’s Gem, Jewelry, Mineral, and Fossil Show, to be held September 22-24 at the Humble Civic Center. This year’s show features “A Prehistoric Journey,” a new exhibit from Dinosaur World in San Antonio showcasing the skeletons, skulls, teeth, bones, spikes and claws of prehistoric creatures that roamed the earth millions of years ago. 

With three main sections – “Air and Sea,” “Dinosaurs,” and “Mammals” – the museum-quality exhibit will bring kids face to face with more than 75 fossil replicas, including “Stan,” a life-size T. rex skull replica, a Triceratops skull, a Pteranodon with a 23-foot wing span, a femur from a rare and monstrous saurapod, a prehistoric sea turtle, an ancient killer bird, Smilodon and Cave Bear skulls, swimming reptiles, raptors, and juvenile T. rex skeletons. “Dinosaur George” Blasing and his team of paleontology experts will be on hand to provide visitors with detailed information and a unique interactive learning experience from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day of the HGMS show.

Friday, September 22, is Kids’ Day, when pre-registered students, teachers, and homeschooling parents are admitted to the show free of charge. Students will be challenged to complete age-appropriate earth science activities designed by HGMS’s Youth Education Committee to support the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) standardized test. They also can learn excavating techniques in the Dino Dig simulated fossil hunt or visit the Youth Area for educational activities demonstrating properties of various rocks and minerals.

Many educational activities continue throughout HGMS show weekend. Visitors of all ages will enjoy a chemistry experiment station; a fluorescent mineral booth, and beautiful gem, mineral, and fossil exhibits. HGMS members also provide lapidary demonstrations of jewelry-making, along with expert (and free!) identification of gems, minerals, and fossils. Houston-area Scouts will be on hand to participate in the Scout Badge program. With more than 40 gem, jewelry, bead, mineral, lapidary, and fossil dealers, the show features something for everyone.

Please join the HGMS for its 53rd annual Gem, Jewelry, Mineral, and Fossil Show September 22-24 at the Humble Civic Center. Tickets are good for all three days of the show and cost just $5 for adults and $3 for students, teachers, and seniors. Children under 12 are free when accompanied by an adult. Parking is free. The Humble Civic Center is located at 8233 Will Clayton Parkway in Humble (one mile east of Highway 59N at Will Clayton Parkway, just north of Beltway 8). For more information, visit the HGMS Web site at www.hgms.org.