This year the Saucon Valley Lions and the Gilman’s, from Lost River Cavern, will be celebrating their 50th year Gem, Mineral and Jewelry Show. The show was

started by Bob Gilman in an era when collecting rocks and minerals was a passion.

The shows started at the Marine training center in Bethlehem and in 1982 moved to the Saucon Valley HS. For many years, Lion member Ray Campbell

organized the show but he has since turned over the reins to his daughter, Amy. Under Amy’s guidance, the show has grown, and this year’s show promises to

be the best ever.

The show is no longer just for “rockhounds.” Over the years, it has expanded to include other areas and vendors in the jewelry and fossils and a fully stocked food stand with something for everyone.

Money earned from the show goes back into the community. The Lions’ primary focus is supporting sight organizations, but they also donate to local first responders, food banks, local non-profits and scouting organizations. The service organization also sponsors a high school scholarship and vo-tech award.

In 2002 the Lions started sponsoring a blood drive in conjunction with the gem show. Over the years, hundreds of pints of blood have been collected. This year’s blood drive is scheduled for April 18 from

10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Saucon Valley HS. Contact Miller Keystone to schedule a time. Donors will receive free admission to the gem show.

This year’s show will be held at Saucon Valley HS April 18 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and April 19. 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. There is an admission fee. Children are free.

Special items will be featured at this year’s show. Over the next weeks, pictures from past shows and information about the 2020 show will be posted on the Lions’ website, www.sauconvalleylions.org.

Saucon Valley HS is located at 2100 Polk Valley Road, Hellertown.

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