File photos The annual Creede Rock and Mineral Show is back after being cancelled last year due the COVID-19 pandemic. The event will kick off the first weekend in August and feature three full days of glistening gems, minerals and precious metals galore.

CREEDE — The annual Creede Rock and Mineral Show is back so grab family and friends and plan to be in Creede on Aug. 6-8. This show is one of the biggest of the year except for maybe the Fourth of July celebration and brings rockhounds from around the globe to one of the most geologically unique locations in the United States.

According to the Creede and Mineral County Chamber of Commerce, knowledgeable individuals will be on hand at the Rock and Mineral Show to help identify specimens and to discuss the geology of Mineral County, which holds a wide variety of unusual features like volcanic dikes and vents, the famous Wheeler Geologic Area (a classic ash deposit), and the Creede Fossil Formation. Evening programs are Friday and Saturday at 7 p.m.

Mineral County's geology has fueled a legacy of interest and fascination from early-day prospectors and surveyors to modern mining engineers and mineralogists and mining investors. One of the world's largest volcanic calderas created unusually rich ore deposits that eventually gave birth to the Creede mining district.

Millions of dollars’ worth of silver, gold, lead, and zinc were extracted before the last mine closed in 1985. Creede, which survived fires, floods, and mining depressions, became known as the "little town that would not die." The spectacular Pillars of Hercules, remnants of an ancient rhyolite wall, frame Creede's bustling Main Street district. Victorian-era buildings today serve as gift shops, restaurants, galleries, and bed and breakfast destinations.    

Proceeds from exhibitors' fees benefit the Creede Underground Community Center and the Creede-Mineral County Chamber of Commerce and Visitors Center.  The tunnels and caverns of the Underground Mining Museum, Community Center, and Fire Station were blasted into the solid rock walls of Willow Creek Canyon by three miners and volunteer helpers. The community project was completed in 1992.

Creede is a geologic haven for amateurs and professionals. The 17-mile Bachelor Loop passes old town sites, mine buildings, and other relics of Mineral County's silver boom. The Last Chance Mine offers tours and rockhounding opportunities.

This event features many opportunities to learn about rocks and minerals. Even beginner rockhounds will enjoy this show. Vendors bring specimens from all over the world and are on hand to answer questions and tell tales of how the specimens were collected. Some vendors have been coming to the show for 20-plus years and are eager to get back after a break due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Call the Creede-Mineral County Visitor Center at 719-658-2374, for more information or visit www.creede.comfor a full schedule.