14th Annual Gem Show at Rock City Park
14th Annual Gem Show at Rock City Park
Rock Enthusiasts Prepare for All Things Gem, Mineral & Fossil, September 30th
Over 130 years ago, area residents and visitors made their way up Rock City Hill to Rock City Park by electric trolley. Along with the amenities at the fabulous Bon Air Hotel and the dance pavilion, they could enjoy a day on the merry-go-round and explore the nooks and crannies of this geological wonderland formed about 315 million years ago. The glaciers, which halted before Olean, stopped moving but continued to melt, bringing rocks and sediment to the area with the melting water. This action formed the Olean Conglomerate, so called because it left quartz imbedded in the sandy soil that used to be a seabed. Imagine this… today Rock City Park is located on top of Rock City Hill with an altitude of 2,348 feet above sea level. What a difference a few hundred million years makes! As a result, Rock City is now home to the world’s largest exposure of quartz conglomerate. The world’s! Imagine! It makes you want to run right up there to see it, doesn’t it?
Back in time (1890), five local businessmen with a trolley company called Western NY and Traction Company were running electric trolleys in the Bradford/Olean area. Seeing an unusual opportunity, they bought the land that is now Rock City Park. It was these men who made it into an amusement park. Their vision was spot on. Thousands of visitors came in on their trolleys every day. Things were good for many years until other forms of entertainment took the interest of their visitors. Somehow, through multiple changes of hands, the park managed to remain viable, probably because there’s not much damage that can be done to 315 million years old quartz conglomerate. Finally, a local couple who love nature and saw a great opportunity bought the park in 2001. (Can you imagine buying a park?) Cindy and Dale Smith, successful businesspersons for many years in the local communities (Worth W. Smith Hardware company) found themselves owning what some people call the Eighth Wonder of the World.
Fifteen years ago, realizing that many of their visitors were interested in rocks and fossils, they embarked on an endeavor known as their giant Gem-Mineral-Fossil Show, at the park of course. This year, the show is on September 30th (10:00am-5:00pm) and October 1st (10:00am-4:00pm). Adults $6, kids under 12 are free. Parking near the building is also free. The admission fee includes not only the show and vendors but access to the trails, photo opportunities only the Southern Tier can offer in fall, and the museum. The usual vendors will be there along with some new ones, owner Cindy Smith tells us. You will find a large selection of minerals, rocks and gems, brilliant geodes, artisan made handmade jewelry pieces, even prehistoric bone pieces, and of course, goodies from the two truck food vendors. Owner Dale Smith will be on-hand to join the fun, hand-churning freshly squeezed apple cider and doling out samples.
Yep, it’s that time of year. Dale reminds guests that some of their vendors are experts in their fields, so if you have a mineral or vintage gem you wonder about, bring it along and you might be able to have a little help identifying it from the experts. (Kind of like Antique Road Show).
Do be sure to step outside to enjoy the expansive view from the flat stones surrounding the building, at the same time pondering that the spot you are standing on was underwater 315 million years ago. Grab a map if you plan to explore the trails (NOT handicap accessible), head down the steel stairway and think “Flintstones” as you gaze at the amazing rock formations as tall as skyscrapers, some looking as tipsy as a drunken sailor. Give yourself a bonus if you can identify “The Old Man,” and always watch over your shoulder for Sasquatch!
Contact the park for information not covered here. Leashed dogs are allowed but bear in mind that between 1,100-1,200 people pass through the doors in that two-day affair. Always carry your baggies for waste cleanup. Handicapped, gender-neutral bathrooms are available indoors as well as porta-potties outside. The park season will end October 31st with the park reopening on May 1st for the 2024 season.
For more details visit rockcitypark.com. Rock City Park is located at 505 Route 16 S., Allegany, NY, phone 716-373-7790.