Lacombe is lucky to be the site of Western Canada’s largest rock, gem and mineral show from Oct. 16th to 26th.
Silver Cove presents Rocktober for 11 days. The show will feature sandstone carvings from Kenya, Lapis Lazuli minerals from Afghanistan and thousands of other beads, stones, spheres and décor to choose from.
“This actually started very small. We had a lot of requests from customers to see everything that we were bringing back from our trips. We started with a small open house type display and as we moved into a storefront it became a larger show,” said Silver Cove owner Michelle Robak.
“We have an amazing silk-stone line from Kenya. There are hundreds of beautifully carved pieces of every size and every price point. We are dedicating a room to a blue Lapis line from Afghanistan that is just gorgeous. We have it in spheres, tumbles, palm stones, flats and actual larger home décor pieces that have all been hand carved and polished to bring out the best in the stuff. We’re really excited to get them out and showing.”
Robak and her husband, Chris are both very excited to see their collection displayed. Michelle said that when she sees people carefully admiring the individual pieces, she feels amazing about their work.
“It’s so much fun to see that light that comes into people’s eyes.”
The team at Silver Cove has been dedicating hours and sorting through pieces of gems, mineral, carved stones, jewelry pieces and fossils in preparation of the event.
Kiosks, multiple storefronts and other displays will take over the Lacombe Mall for the event. Each room without a lease has been temporarily taken over with goods. A special kids’ area will also be incorporated into the event to promote a family-friendly environment, and schools will receive free admission to promote the study of rocks, fossils and minerals.
“Most of our schools have gotten VIP admission which allows them into our treasure box area where the kids can pick out something for free.
“We’ve got hundreds of little pieces for them to choose from,” said Michelle.
Kids will either get to do an excavation or a learning activity or building something. Depending on available space, the Robaks are hoping to do a fossil casting area.
Getting ready for the event is busy and at any time in October staff can be seen with all hands on deck, working to prepare.
Silver Cove employee Lynsi Hamelin has yet to participate in a Rocktober show, but was working hard to help set up the stores.
“It’s just been a lot of preparation, mentally and physically. To know that this is going to be one of the busiest months in your working life is kind of cool and kind of crazy,” said Hamelin. “We open every single box, price every single item and hopefully give it a name and an origin so that when people buy from it and they come from out of our province or from the States, they can go home with all of the information without us having to write anything down. Then we put it away so it doesn’t get seen until Rocktober. It’s like the Christmas of rocks.”
The event is free and will include a wide variety of price points and products. Visit the Lacombe Mall for the show.