I wish I knew about the Flagg Gem & Mineral Show before I went last Saturday. If I had, I would have taken the kids earlier. Usually held the first weekend in January (this year it was moved to the second weekend so it didn't conflict with New Year's Day celebrations), the show features more than 100 dealers of minerals, fossils, gems and lapidary materials. One of its goals is to increase children's interest in rocks, minerals, geology and science, and the Arizona Mineral & Mining Museum Foundation and the Mesa Community College Geology Club, the show's sponsors, go out of their way to make this a particularly child-friendly event. Several groups offer free samples to children and teachers. 
We went because one of my daughters needed rock samples for a science project and her teacher recommended the event. She suggested we go to the Arizona Leaverite booth where kids can choose 12 labeled rock and mineral samples from those displayed in cups on three tables. Cost? $1. This seemed to be one of the more popular booths at the event although the "Dig for Fossils" exhibit and the florescent rock display were also popular.
Did I mention this gem and mineral show is free? Free admission and free parking. If you have kids--and even if you don't--keep an eye out for this event next year.
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