The Hatrockhounds Gem & Mineral Society annual rock and gem show opens Saturday, May 10, at the Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center in Hermiston. (Tammy Malgesini/Go! Eastern Oregon)

Rock and gem show is May 10-11 at EOTEC

HERMISTON — Young and old alike are invited to dig in as 20 vendors and dealers offer a variety of rocks, gems, minerals, petrified wood, beads and more — both rough and finished pieces — during Nature’s Treasures Under Foot.

Hosted by Hatrockhounds Gem & Mineral Society, the annual rock and gem show opens Saturday, May 10, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Eastern Oregon Trade and Event Center, 1705 E. Airport Road. It continues Sunday, May 11, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $5, and ages 12 and under are free.

Rock and gem enthusiasts can bid on nature’s treasures during timed silent auctions throughout the day. Also, door prize drawings are every 30 minutes. And on Mother’s Day, all moms can enter a special drawing.

The show includes hands-on activities and demonstrations. Judi Allison, the club’s newsletter editor, said people can learn about wire wrapping, faceting gemstones and cabochon techniques (shaping and polishing).

About 50 members belong to Hatrockhounds. Monthly meetings include an education component, a show-and-tell session and games, including Rock Jeopardy.

“It’s a hobby club for people who like messing around with rocks,” she said with a laugh. “It’s a great family hobby — people really get into it with their kids.”

Because of that, Allison said the rock and gem show always includes a Kid’s Corner with activities, prizes and games, including a gem search. Also, with the various vendors, Allison said children often find affordable items.

Filarski said having an area that caters to children and youths also brings their parents into the show.

“It gets kids interested in rocks and what’s out there — about geology, how did that petrified wood get there and how agates were created,” Filarski said.

While many vendors come each year, the 2025 show welcomes three new dealers. Filarski is excited to see what they bring.

Filarski began digging rocks, minerals and nature as a child growing up in Michigan.

“I enjoy going out and tromping around in the woods,” he said. “It’s just interesting when you’re collecting petrified wood or thunder eggs, each one is different, even if you collect them from the same location.”

Filarski’s passion is such that he even looked around the gravel parking lots at work. Allison also likes the thrill of the hunt.

“There wasn’t a day that went by that I didn’t come home with something,” Filarski said.

“It’s fun to go out and look,” Allison added. “Even if I don’t find anything, being out in nature is fun.”

The club, she said, offers an opportunity to hang out with other like-minded people. In addition to planning and hosting the annual show, the group holds a picnic during the summer, plans field trips and gathers for an annual Christmas party.

Information

The Hatrockhounds Gem & Mineral Society is a nonprofit group that meets at 6:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month at the Hermiston First Christian Church, 775 W. Highland Ave. Yearly dues are $12 per person, $20 for a couple or $25 for a family. Visitors are welcome to attend before deciding to join.

For more about the show or the club, visit www.hatrockhounds.org or search Facebook via bit.ly/3Ex9QqE. For questions, call Filarski at 541-571-2593 or email Allison at jms46@outlook.com.