Rapa River Gem & Mineral Show

So this is by the gas station south of Broadway, or is it Congress on that side, and west of the highway. I love the Tucson Gem show and all the internationals it brings right to our doorstep (it is like traveling without leaving the country). During the show I go all 3 weekends and after work, not so much to buy but to see things that may never be seen again in in public before it goes into someones personal collection. Through the years I have gotten to know many of the vendors and look forward to seeing them and the things they bring. This is a great place to get things from places i have traveled, I often see things while traveling that are to cumbersome to carry for months on end, and can get them here. it has also iv en different viewpoints on where to travel and what people are thinking.

This is a review of the Rapa River (Gem and Mineral Show) open from Jan. 28th-Feb.12th located between the Days Inn and River Park hotel on South Freeway (downtown Tucson).WHAT'S FOR SALE: Plenty to choose from. This show has a ton of vendors from all over the world who sell mostly gemstone beads, premade jewelry, uncut/ unpolished gemstones (precious & semiprecious), stone carvings, meteorites, minerals, fossils, and collectibles. Price ranges vary depending if you are a wholesale buyer. Some booths only cater to wholesalers but many others are willing to sell you individual items. I recommend negotiating or haggling since some businesses are willing to bargain. Also make sure to completely look throughout the show since you don't want to pay a higher price at one booth only to later find a lower price two booths away. Each hotel room contains a separate business and there are a number of tents outdoors with shade. The place is packed from wall to wall and is overflowing with colorful choices that can make you dizzy. If gemstones, fossils, and beads are your thing then this is the place to be.PARKING: A complete nightmare. The location of this event is just off the Freeway and Parking is very hard to come by. If you own a motorcycle, scooter, or are willing to bicycle then you will have a better chance in finding a parking spot. There are shuttles which are designated to transport gem show enthusiasts to different mini shows in town. You must find out which shuttle stop will take the destined route you want or you will end up at the wrong place in town. It might cost a little money to do this but if you plan your travel out right then you won't get flustered by the confusing color designated shuttles and which places they stop at.FOOD: Very little available. My family saw a Greek food stand, a Sonora food stand, and a western BBQ food vendor and that was it. No other options. There is a Carl's Jr. located next to the Inn but we were not feeling burgers. Bring your water since you will be walking a lot outdoors in the sun. The prices were normally high ($5- $11 range) just for a small sandwich or salad (a drink is a separate charge). It's safe to say either eat before you go or bring your own PB &J if you are on a budget or don't feel like eating the few options available.EXPERIENCE: Fun but challenging. Get ready to meet some friendly sellers and the occasional rude vendor. Yes, we had a ball with seeing and buying so many minerals and fossils but I think some vendors just wanted to go since some were already packing to leave. Some sellers speak little to no English or have a really strong accent so it was hard understanding everyone we met. You have people from Argentina, Australia, Morocco, China, Mexico, and so many more places. I had one vendor rip me off and by the time I noticed it was too late. Therefore I warn others to be clear what the price is and to double count your change. According to one vendor, we were told that many sellers and buyers did not return from the previous year so this show was smaller than before. Over all, We enjoyed ourselves but be ready for a interesting visit that you will remember for years to come.