Gem Faire

Making jewelry is one of my creative escapes. So whenever the Gem Faire rolls into town and I have some extra dough, I check them out. Sign up to receive their emails and you can get a free pass valid Friday through Sunday. Otherwise it’s $ 5 to get in, but sometimes the News & Review will have a free coupon. They also do door prizes every 30 minutes, but you must be present to win.
The parking at Cal Expo sucks the big one. For starters, you pay $ 10 to get in. I suppose that is how they make their money, but it just kills me! At least they could throw in a car wash or something. Just for that, this location loses a star.
This year, my favorite vendors were not at this location. They tend to be at the Scottish Rite one, however. Lots of freshwater pearls, crystals, cut semi-​precious beads, fossils, rings, necklaces and beaded coin purses. You can also get various chains, findings, boxes to put all those beads in, charms, etc.
The only bonus this place has that the other Gem Faire locations don’t have is that you can get beer here. Yes! Buy beads with a buzz. Mind you, this will set you back $ 8.