We’ve noticed a couple changes at the Tucson Rock & Gem Shows this year. The first is that the very popular 22nd Street show at 22nd Street and I-10, has again expanded. Last year the tent expanded to a 750′ long monster, and this year an additional tent they named a “Showcase Tent” will bring a “higher end” experience to buyers and sellers. Featuring modular walls, high end lighting, and dealers the promoters will also be pleased as it is claimed this will be a much quieter venue than the big tent. Thirty spaces are filled and every year the vendors at the showcase will expand until they reach 300! I assume that the tent size will continue to expand.
According to their website this year the parking at 22nd Street is $3.00. It had been free, but $3.00 is still a good price and you can take shuttles to other places.
The 22nd Street Show circa 2014. Since then the length has doubled, and this year they added the “Showcase” Tent.
2017 22nd Street Show
2018: The Monster 750′ 22nd Street Show as seen from “A” Mountain (Sentinal Peak). The new show tent is on the far left. On the near side of I-10 (West side of I-10) are some of the show venues at the Hotels, along the Freeway, known as “The Strip”. So if I refer to “The Strip Shows”, I am not ogling anything but rocks (most of the time). Notice the new “Showcase” tent to the far right.
Some of the “Strip Shows” are shown in the foreground , while the Large Wholesale Show (GJX) tent across from the Tucson Convention Center (shown center right) hosts the AGTA and the Tucson Gem & Mineral Show, the weekend following the AGTA Show.. This years’ theme is Crystals and Crystal Forms.(Feb 8-11), You can find the shows from the links I’ve included in this Blog.
JGX Tent on the right and Convention Center is mid-picture on the left. Anyone can go to JGM as it is a Wholesale/Retail venue.
Two popular vendors have moved from the show at the Hotel Tucson City Center. It was mentioned Aerolite Meteorites and Dinosaur Brokers are two of the exhibitors (they will have a display in the lobby of the Showcase Tent). Michigan Rocks and Arkenstone are two vendors I’m going to check out. For a new venue in 2013 this 22nd Street Gem Show is on the move; The promoters claim the the 22nd Street Show is the most attended show in Tucson. It is open to the public as well as dealers. https://22ndstreetshow.com.
Another change at the Tucson Rocks Shows is shown in this billboard. The sign on the freeway announces the True Bead True Blue Show, Colors of the Stone, and Tucson Bead and Design Show have all moved to the Casino Del Sol out on west Valencia, with a thousand sellers and workshops promised this year. This will be a big change in locations and promises lots of new shopping for the beaders!
We hope you can use these changes at the Tucson Rock & Gem Shows that we have spotted.Here’s a link to the list of dates and places for the Tucson Shows in 2018: http://www.tucsongemshows.net
That’s all for now, but stand by. Shopping to begin soon!
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