By BRAD JONES
GPAA Managing Editor
The Gold Prospectors Association of America has added two more Gold & Treasure Shows to its 2017 schedule — one in Indiana and another in North Carolina.
The first of seven GPAA Gold & Treasure Shows will kick off in Pleasanton, Calif.,
Feb. 11-12. As a special feature of this event, a National Raffle with more than $15,000 worth of prizes will be
broadcast live on Facebook for those who can’t attend the show. You can participate in the National Raffle from home by calling
(209) 266-2844.
“The special drawing at the Pleasanton show will be broadcast live on Facebook,” said GPAA Creative Director Greg Miller. “So, this is something new that we’re really excited about.”
More than $10,000 in prizes will be given away in major prize raffles both days of each show. Each paid admission to the show comes with one raffle ticket. Additional tickets will be available for purchase. The grand prize is a one-week stay for up
to two people at Roaring Camp on the scenic Mokelumne River in the heart of California’s Mother Lode country.
Proceeds from the raffle on Facebook will go to the American Mining Rights Association, while funds generated from the other major prize raffles will go to the local GPAA chapter.
GPAA Gold & Treasure Shows were launched years ago by GPAA founder George “Buzzard” Massie to introduce newcomers to the world of gold prospecting, and provide everything they need to get started — access to mining claims, knowledge and equipment. These fun, family-oriented events are open to the public, and anyone interested in gold, silver, precious metals, coins and relics, metal detecting, prospecting, rocks and gems is encouraged to attend.
For those who want to learn how to pan for gold, the GPAA will provide free with your admission more than 30 feet of panning troughs loaded with real gold where expert panners will be available to help you hone your skills, and everything you find is yours to keep. This year, the GPAA Gold Panning Zone will be co-sponsored by Felix Paydirt.
Whether you’re just browsing the show floor or you’re in the market to take your hobby of gold and treasure hunting to the next level, GPAA Gold & Treasure Shows are packed with prospecting and small-scale mining equipment and supplies. Several vendors will be demonstrating their equipment to give you a hands on experience.
Daily seminars are included with your admission to the show and cover topics such as metal detecting tips, fine gold recovery, basic geology and more. These seminars are conducted by some of the most knowledgeable people in the prospecting and mining community.
The GPAA Gold & Treasure Shows are your first step into the exciting world of gold, gem, and treasure hunting. The GPAA will have its own booth to offer GPAA, Gold Life and Lost Dutchman’s Mining Association memberships for purchase, and staff will be on hand to answer questions about how and where you can find your own gold.
Doors open at 10 a.m. both
Saturday and
Sunday for all shows. Active military and veterans are admitted free with ID. Children 12 and younger also get in free. Adults can pre-order tickets online for $5 at
www.goldprospectors.org/goldshows. Tickets purchased at the door cost $10.
2017 GPAA Gold & Treasure Show Schedule
For half-price advance tickets to the 2017 Gold & Treasure Shows, go online to www.facebook.com/GPAAGoldShows. Click on the “Events” tab at the top of the page, and invite your friends. Don’t use Facebook? No problem. Go to www.goldprospectors.org/goldshows.
• Pleasanton, Calif.
Feb. 11-12, 2017
Alameda County Fairgrounds
2100 Valley Ave.
Pleasanton, CA 94566
• Phoenix, Ariz.
March 11-12, 2017
Arizona Exposition and State Fairgrounds
1826 W. McDowell Rd.
Phoenix, AZ 85007
• Puyallup, Wash.
March 18-19, 2017
Washington State Fair Events Center
110 9th Ave. SW
Puyallup, WA 98371
• Portland, Ore.
March 25-26, 2017
Portland Expo Center
2060 N Marine Dr.
Portland, OR 97217
• Las Vegas, Nev.
April 22-23, 2017
South Point Hotel & Casino
9777 Las Vegas Blvd. South
Las Vegas, NV 89183
* Use promo code GOL0420 (GOL-
ZERO-420) for discount rates on rooms at the South Point.)
• Indianapolis, Indiana
Oct. 20-21
1202 East 38th St.
Indianapolis, IN 46205
(South Pavilion Hall B)
• Concord, North Carolina
Oct. 28-29
Cabarrus Arena & Event Center
4751 Hwy. 49 North
Concord, NC 28025
(Cabarrus Arena, Gold Hall 1)
Brad Jones is the Managing Editor/Communications Director for the Gold Prospectors Association of America. He can be reached at bjones@goldprospectors.org.