The annual Indian Artifact & Mineral and Gem Show has a new partnership with a locally produced artifact magazine.
The show is hosted this year by Vision Lampasas in association with Texas Cache Magazine, which is a brand-new partnership, said Dorinda Barrett, Vision Lampasas past president.
“Ryan Murray, who is the publisher of that magazine, is looking to get more involved in the show,” Barrett said. “The magazine is about Texas archaeology. Murray knows very much about archaeological things in Lampasas County. It’s a very new but very promising collaboration.”
Texas Cache Magazine is produced in Briggs and has been documenting the state’s prehistoric relics and those who appreciate them. The family friendly magazine has been in production for 30 years.
In addition to the new collaboration, the Indian Artifacts Show has been growing in interest, officials said. In a recent committee meeting, committee chair Warren Bluntzer reported growing numbers of exhibitors.
“He said we have 10 exhibitors coming who’ve not been here before. The vendor spaces have already sold out,” Barrett said. Visitors are welcome to purchase from vendors as well as bring their own items of curiosity.
“There’s a lot of trading and selling of stuff, usually between vendors themselves because they’re serious collectors,” Barrett said. “But occasionally the audience will bring what they’ve found, like arrowheads, to get the vendors’ opinions on it.”
The show will take place on Sept. 20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the old middle school cafeteria at 107 N. Main St. in Lampasas.
Admission is $8 per person, and children under 12 are free.
Food will be available at the event. For more information on the show, call 512-556-7027.
Private collection open for viewing
In addition to the artifact show, Merritt Roman’s private collection of rocks and minerals will be available for view at the corner of East Second Street and Live Oak from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“His collection is world famous,” Barrett said. “It’s always delightful that his family helps and opens it up for the public. It’s museum worthy. He’s got stuff from China – from everywhere. It’s a very interesting collection.”
There is no fee to view Romans’ collection. Directions to his address will be distributed at the show.
