Back in 2001, it became known that the Gem and Mineral display at the Yavapai County Fair would terminate with that years County Fair, unless someone else could take responsibility for it. It turned out that the Prescott Gem Club had been disbanded a few years before and that only one individual, Mr. Don Cunningham, had been taking care of the display for several years and was unable to do so, by himself, any longer. Not wanting the display to be terminated, several people got together and talked about what could be done to save the Fair display, and possibly form a new Gem and Mineral Club. This group included Mr. Cunningham, Mr. Walt Frickle and Mr. Larry Jackson. They put together a little notice and distributed it at the Gem and Mineral Display at that falls County Fair. They also talked to virtually everyone who came into the display area, soliciting people interested in forming a new gem and mineral club. A meeting of interested people was scheduled to be held at the Prescott Public Library. The initial turnout was 30 people, all keenly interested in forming a Gem and Mineral Club. At this meeting, the initial proposal for a Club was adopted and interim officers were elected. Many procedural details were acted upon with some being tabled until the next meeting, also to be held at the library. The Prescott Gem and Mineral Club came into being! One of the most important items was finding a location for the club to meet. The library did not allow continuing meetings to be held there. At the second meeting, of about 50 people, most of the procedural matters were completed and it was disclosed that the County Fair would allow the Club to meet at one of their buildings, if the Club would be responsible for the Gem and Mineral display each year. The Club readily agreed and in addition to the display cases, they have various demonstrations, of lapidary procedures, and operate the 'Leaverite Mine' which is a favorite of 'Children of All Ages!' From that beginning, the Prescott Gem and Mineral Club has continued to grow. They meet the third Saturday of each month, at 10:00AM. In addition to the gem and mineral display at the Yavapai County Fair, the club sponsors their own Gem and Mineral Show and Sale . To be held this year on August 1^st, 2^nd and 3rd . The show this year will be held at the Embry Riddle Aeronautical University . More than 1,500 people attended the three day event last year. The Club also participates in Field Trips where members learn to locate, identify and collect various rocks and minerals. Demonstrations of the various fields of lapidary arts as well as slide shows and speakers are presented at the Club meetings. In lieu of the regular meeting, a special pot luck dinner is held each December, which includes the installation of new officers. One of the main goals of the Club is to promote the education of young people in the rock, gem and mineral fields. They even have a Junior category for displays at the County Fair! Many members bring young people with them to the meetings, but this is usually a relative or friend that is visiting for a short while. The Club is actively soliciting young members. The club now sponsors two scholarships at Yavapai College .  The Prescott Gem and Mineral Club annual membership rates are only $18.00 per family or $12.00 per individual. With prior arrangements, Club members meet with and give talks to various youth groups about the various aspects of the rock, gem and mineral fields. There is a modestly priced raffle at each monthly meeting and it seems that the young people always manage to win the most and best prizes! Guests are always welcome at the monthly meetings. You can contact the Club at: Prescott Gem and Mineral Club, PO Box 3923 , Chino Valley , AZ 86323 .