It was crystal clear that the Maple Ridge Lapidary Club's annual show is popular.

Rock and gem lovers, young and old, came in out in droves to support the rock and gem show on the weekend.

Ten-year-old Maddi Sepke, a Grade 5 student at Kanaka Creek Elementary, and Lindsay Foster, a Grade 6 student at Fairview Elementary were the auctioneer's models holding up auction items and encouraging people to bid higher.

Drew and Diane Rekunyk belong to a couple different clubs, including the Maple Ridge Lapidary Club, according to Diane, who sells a variety of items under the name KD Creations.

"This is the first show of the year, and it's off to a great start," she said.

"It's been great. There are lots of people.

Maybe it's busier because the parking is better this year," Diane added about the location changing from St. Andrew's Church to the Maple Ridge Alliance Church.

Lapidary club secretary Maureen Parsley collected donations at the door.

"Donations help to support our club. It buys lapidary supplies for our kids who want to make soapstone pendants and other things," said Parsley.

"We encourage everyone to come to the club and try it out before deciding whether to join, and some of the supplies are used during this time, too," she added.

Currently, the Maple Ridge Lapidary Club has about 100 members. At least 10 new people signed up on the weekend.

smclaren@mrtimes.com