Chris Haefner understands Mother Earth. He appreciates the precious gems hidden just beneath her surface. And he wants to pass on his acquired expertise to others.

It's that spirit that led Chris and his wife, Catherine, to found the Lancaster County Fossil and Mineral Club (LCFMC) and in turn LCFMC's annual Christmas in July Fossil and Mineral Extravaganza.

"(Fossils and minerals) represent our world and life on Earth from when it began to now," said Chris. "People are fascinated with precious gems because they're beautiful and valuable. Generally, people know about (fossils and minerals); our culture is everywhere. Some people like it because it's grassroots. I think it's more relevant now than it ever was."

This year's Christmas in July Fossil and Mineral Extravaganza will be conducted in three rooms at Farm and Home Center, 1383 Arcadia Road, Lancaster, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 27, and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 28. Attendees will be afforded an opportunity to peruse and purchase up to 10,000 unique fossils, minerals, crystals and jewelry from 40 licensed dealers.

An admission fee will be charged, and the Paradise Lions Club will make refreshments available.

"It's families with kids who are interested in paleontology and geology," said Chris of the expected visitors that day. "It's an enthusiastic crowd of people who come, and then you have the camaraderie. It's a very lively atmosphere. People anticipate it every year. This is our forte; this is what we do. There's a whole stream of history people don't know because it's not taught in schools."

The fossil and mineral extravaganza will also feature a mine tour where kids bearing flashlights can find mineral samples. Youngsters may also appreciate interactive adventures in a geology learning center. The activities are designed for fun, but it should be noted that learning could occur.

Also on display at the show will be a rare fossil specimen of Hylonomus Iyelli, believed to be the world's first reptile. In addition, the show will include a light-refracturing demonstration by a scientist and a presentation by a tinsmith.

Nearly 1,000 visitors are expected to attend the extravaganza over its two days. Proceeds from the event will go toward LCFMC's operating expenses and activities.

After first being introduced at the Solanco Fairgrounds in Quarryville, LCFMC's Christmas in July Fossil and Mineral Extravaganza moved to Farm and Home Center four years ago.

"(LCFMC is) a very noble thing to be involved in," said Chris. "When you're part of a club, new ideas will spring from it. We get to meet other clubs and other club's people. If you like minerals and fossils, there's nothing like it. It's not like going to a museum and looking at what someone else found. You found it."

Chris and Catherine Haefner founded LCFMC in 2013, and the club initially involved 12 members. Today, LCFMC's membership numbers 130 fossil and mineral aficionados.

LCFMC meets on the last Thursday of every month at Trinity Reformed United Church of Christ, 450 W. Main St., Mountville.

For additional information on LCFMC, search for "Lancaster County Fossil and Mineral Club" on Facebook.