For over a decade, the 22nd Street Gem Show has been casting its radiant glow on Tucson’s Southside, drawing in enthusiasts from across the globe. The sprawling half-mile tent situated off 22nd St and I10 played host to a bustling congregation of gem, mineral, and fossil vendors on Thursday.
In addition to the dazzling array of geological wonders, a neighboring tent on the property offered a more opulent showcase experience. Cody Barthol, a first-time attendee at the event and a newcomer to Arizona, shared his excitement, quipping, “I’m probably going to go home with pockets full of pebbles.”
Hailing from the Colorado-based company Triebold Paleontology Inc, Barthol, and his team specialize in the restoration of dinosaur fossils and the creation of replicas. Embracing a more contemporary approach, their projects have transitioned to 3D printing, drastically reducing design time from six weeks to a mere six hours. Barthol proudly pointed to the 3D-printed wonders on display, a testament to the strides made in recent technological developments.
The 22nd Street Gem Show unfolds as a collector’s haven, with attendees even bringing carts to transport their newfound treasures. However, this gem extravaganza is not limited to 22nd Street alone; seven other events, including the Pueblo Gem and Enter the Earth, made a striking appearance on Monday.
For 11-year-old Peaches Farrell, the gem show holds a special place. Having lived across various parts of the country, she declared, “It’s probably the best place I’ve ever been.” Peaches, already a collector of rare objects, especially those that sparkle, inherits her passion from her mother, who, in her youth, collected bones. Her father, Chris Farrell, shared, “Ever since, she’s been interested in collecting.”
The Farrell family, having attended the gem show for the first time last year when they relocated to Tucson, now plans to make it an annual tradition. “This is just the first of many stops,” remarked Chris. Although they are eager to make acquisitions, every potential addition to their collection must meet the approval of mom.
Fortunately, they have ample time to peruse the offerings, as the 22nd Street Show will continue to enchant visitors every day from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. until February 11.
