Remembering Al Sargent - Denver Expo & Tucson Electric Park

If you picked up a Denver EZ-Guide at the Denver Gem & Mineral Shows or just flipped through it on the Xpo Press website...you may have seen the write up by Brad Hicks, CEO of Xpo Press, titled "Tucson's Electric Promoter: A Tribite To Al Sargent".

Featuring great personal memories of conversations with Al Sargent and memorializing the dynamic man who was the spark behind the Tucson Electric Park Shows the article brings thoughts of Al to life! ...and that was what Brad hoped for.

We would love to hear your memories for a piece in the 2011 Tucson EZ-Guide...help us flesh out a man that meant so much to the Denver and Tucson Gem Shows. We want visitors to this year's event in the desert to know Al Sargent and everything he meant to the largest show in the country!

We would love to get notes to pass on to Dianna & Josh and to print in the 2011 Tucson EZ-Guide... email your note to Brad at: bradhicks@xpopress.com

In case you missed it - this is from the 2010 Denver EZ-Guide:

Rocky Mountain Bead Bazaar

The Rocky Mountain Bead Society was founded in 1992 by Leslie Sartor as she worked to bring a group of people together with a common passion in the hopes that they would build, support and learn from each other. There were 25 people at that first meeting…today the RMBS boasts a membership of over 200 people.

The Rocky Mountain Bead Society (RMBS) was formed to:

• Advance the study of and education about beads;
• Encourage and promote public appreciation for beads and the art of beading;
• Disseminate information about beads and beading;
• Develop and administer programs concerning beads and beading;
• Establish and maintain an RMBS book collection and library; and
• Publish and preserve writings about the history of beads and beading.

2010 BEAD BAZAAR

The Denver Merchandise Mart

Expo Building

452 E. 58th Avenue (I-25 at 58th Avenue)

Denver, Colorado 80216

April 24 and 25, 2010

HOURS: Saturday 10-6, Sunday 10-5

$5.00 admission EACH day

The Bat Ended Screwt by Kate McKinnon

This Spring Bazaar offers a wide range of vendors, supplies and two full days of classes.

From the amazing Kate McKinnon there are two offerings – her “Bat-Ended Screwt” is a a series of small Screwtlets using simple Ndebele tube – OR – her “Corset Stitched Bracelet” which includes not only instruction on a gorgeous wide bracelet, but also on a removable clasp in fine silver.

Classes in Felted Beads, Chainmaille, Loom Weaving, Metal Clay, Peyote, RAW, 3-D beading, and so much more…

See you at the Mart!

Denver Spring Shows: Colorado Mineral and Fossil Show

Amazonite and Smoky Quartz from Pinnacle5 Minerals

It’s Spring in Denver and that means that the trees are beginning to fill out, the flowers are lifting their faces to the sun and…

It’s Show Time!!!!! Thaw out and visit the Denver Spring Shows!

The Colorado Mineral & Fossil Show is a Martin Zinn Prod. – which, in my book says it all. This show fills two Ballrooms – the Lobby – hotel rooms in both the North & South wings and still overflows into a tent outside!

This show features the cream of the crop of mineral dealers as well as some of the finest fossils and rocks! From Collector’s Edge to Starborn Creations to some fabulous local folks like Artisan Jade and Pinnacle5 Minerals!

See you there!

Colorado Mineral & Fossil Show

April 23–25, 2010

Holiday Inn – Denver Central

4849 Bannock St

Denver, CO 80216-1813

Show Hours: Friday & Saturday 10a.m.–6 p.m. Sunday 10 a.m.–5 p.m.

Quartzsite - The Basics...

Photo: Quartzsite Chamber of Commerce office

It is that time of year again - RV'ers, snowbirds, gem lovers, fossil and mineral collectors alike are heading to the ultimate "tailgate" show!!!

For those of you who have never been to Quartzsite before...this is a winter tradition for many a sun follower. The sleepy little town of Quartzsite in Arizona goes bonkers...tents, boondockers, RVs, campers and outdoor swapmeets, seemingly sprout up from the desert floor!

There are a couple of great sites with info about the Quartzsite shows, places to stay and calendars with maps so you can plan your dates and the shows you want to catch:

1. The Quartzsite Chamber of Commerce

2. Places to stay in Quartzsite (be aware that there are no

Hilton's or even Howard Johnson's in Quartzsite)

3. RV Parks- chose all the ammenities or boondock (dry camp) on BLM land

3. Maps with Shows and Dates - xpopress

This is an easy day trip from California (where I live) - or like a lot of my friends, you can chose to stay in Blythe and drive across the border to the various shows...something to consider.

Basically - you can go to Quartzsite at any time between January 1st and February 28th and there will be a show of some kind to attend.

Known by RV groups as the "Q", if you love the desert, the Quartzsite Experience is not to be missed. It is a Rock Hound's dream come true but everyone will find something to enjoy from swapmeets to craft and art shows, chili cook offs, car shows, RV and vacation shows to the Blue Grass Festival...there is always something happening in Quartzsite! But what I hear about most is the people - this little town exudes "friendly" and most folks go back each year to connect with friends they made from previous visits.

next...Quartzsite - The Shows