The cluster of motels along the Interstate 10 Corridor stretching from downtown southward are abuzz and full of excitement from the end of January through mid-February. There are literally thousands of dealers from all over the world that take up hotel rooms, tent booths, and outdoor exhibits all over the area. This activity is mainly on the western side of the highway and includes the Days Inn, the Riverpark Inn, the Traveloge, the Howard Johnson, and the La Quinta. These shows have mostly foreign dealers and many also many beads and gemstone rough, but can they can still be really fun to walk through. Some of the most amazing sights at these shows are the giant Brazilian crystals, especially Quartz and Amethyst that can be seen at numerous locations.
Click any picture below for a larger pop-up, and use the zoom key to enlarge:
Giant Quartz crystal clusters with backlighting at the entrance to the Riverpark Inn
(The Pueblo Show)
Courtyard of the Riverpark Inn with many Advertisements on the Grounds
Shannon and Sons Mineral Crew in the Riverside Inn.
These guys are staples at this show, with an exceptional inventory of rare minerals.
www.shannonsminerals.com
Giant Quartz's Inside and Outside ot Steven Bookbinder's Booth.
The Amethyst Geode Next to the Tent Must be the Largest I Have Ever Seen!
Gypsum Desert Roses at a Tent near the Riverpark Inn
The Dense Courtyard at the Howard Johnson
More Brazilian Crystal Giants, in a Tent Near the Howard Johnson
And Yet Some More Giant Crystals at the Howard Johnson
And Some Amazing South American Amethyst and Milky Quartzs
Parking Lot Between the Howard Johnson and La Quinta.
Note Sentinel Peak in the Background with its Iconic "A".
Tents Outside the La Qunita, with Mostly Brazilian Dealers.
The Same Mountain Stands Behind.
Herkimer Diamond Tent with Some Large Herkimer Singles
From the Ace of Diamonds Mine in New York
(Ted Smith)
