Everybody knows something about minerals and fossils. The upcoming show at the Farm and Home Center will provide the general public an opportunity to learn more about them and perhaps even pique their collective interest.

"The best part of the show is that everyone can learn something new about fossils and minerals in a fun atmosphere," said Christopher Haefner, the president of the Lancaster County Fossil and Mineral Club (LCFMC), the sponsor of the show. "Fossils and minerals are important because they teach us a lot about the Earth's history, they give us resources for industrial use and economic prosperity, and they have an everlasting beauty that can be enjoyed by current and future generations."

The LCFMC's annual Christmas in July Fossil and Mineral Extravaganza is coming up at the Farm and Home Center, 1383 Arcadia Road, Lancaster. This year's edition of the educational vendor show will be conducted from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, and from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, July 26.

There are modest cash fees associated with attending the show.

"The atmosphere is upbeat and lively," said Haefner. "The purpose of the show is to give members of the community the opportunity to see and purchase unique fossils, minerals, crystals and handmade jewelry and to emphasize a fun atmosphere where parents and kids can learn together about fossils and minerals through interactive exhibits, demonstrations and learning activities."

More than 80 vendors will be offering items for sale, and food will also be available for purchase. In addition, the event will feature more than seven educational displays and presentations about topics like how rocks are processed for jewelry and the optical effects of minerals and will have demonstrations of pencil drawings of dinosaurs and fossils.

More than 600 individuals from Lancaster County and surrounding communities are expected to attend during the two days of Christmas in July Fossil and Mineral Extravaganza.

The show was established in 2014 at Trinity Reformed United Church of Christ in Mountville, before moving to the Solanco Fairgrounds. The extravaganza has been staged at its current location since 2021.

LCFMC also hosts an annual one-day show at Trinity Reformed United Church of Christ, 450 W. Main St., Mountville, in the fall - this year on Saturday, Nov. 7. The nonprofit organization is also planning a fossil safari event later this year.

"Members of LCFMC enjoy sharing their collective knowledge of fossils and minerals with others to pass on their knowledge and enthusiasm to current and future generations," said Haefner. "LCFMC shares this interest through its shows, community engagement events and teaching about geology and paleontology to local schools and civic organizations. LCFMC also teaches others to follow safe and ethical fossil and mineral collecting practices."

LCFMC meets at 7 p.m. on the last Thursday of every month at Trinity Reformed United Church of Christ in Mountville. The group boasts more than 100 members.

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