22nd Annual
Western North Carolina
Rockhound Roundup
July 19th - 26th, 2026

Photos by: Rick Jacquot, Brenton Fipps (Crabtree Pics)

We decided to have the Roundup again this year, despite not having a large venue for the event. The Boy Scout camp was wiped out in the hurricane and we went ahead with it at the Shriners camp again. We had a much smaller group as there is not enough room to accommodate a large crowd. We are still working on a new location and will post something to the club when we find one.

The week was a lot of fun and the members had a blast as always. Visiting various mines and the great summer gem shows that take place in Franklin, NC. And of course, the food!

Ready to ride to the 22 Annual WNC Rockhound Roundup!

Getting ready for the week on Sunday with Brenton, Sharon, Jeff and Stacey.

Jeff, Stacey and Randy H.

Kay and Randy F.

Jeff, mad that the wifi was down. 8^)

Brenton and Sharon.

Me having fun!

Sean and Lauren stopped by for a visit.


Shriner Billy and Randy H. with his dog, Trixie.

Brenton, Lauren and Sean.

Randy and Trixie.

Randy and Stacey working on some food.

Stephen came by every day to hang out with us and enjoy the event.

Jeff's Rockhound, Miss Delaney.

Our Roundup veteran and great friend, Johnny Clear came to camp with us.

Miss Delaney is in a trance as she listens to Johnny tell digging stories.

Randy F. and Kay visited the Cherokee Mine in Franklin and brought back some gravel. Here they are looking for rubies with a black light.

Stacey and Mark.

Stephen at the Crabtree Mine.

The members visited a few mines during the week. The Crabtree Emerald Mine, the Old Pressley Sapphire Mine, the Cranberry Mine dumps, the Cherokee Mine and more. We also visited the numerous shows in Franklin, NC during the week. The Franklin shows are the best summer shows around.

Sharon digging the Crabtree.

Stacey at Crabtree.

Randy at Crabtree.

Brenton at Crabtree.

I did not go to the Roundup on Friday, instead, I visited the Galaxycon event in Raleigh. I have always wanted to meet William Shatner since I am a fan of Star Trek. My sister joined me and we had a blast.



Stephen and Randy F.

Randy H. set up a saw tent and brought a 14" drop saw. A lot of rocks were cut!

Mark and Stacey.

Saturday was the big feast as always. Stephen brought his awesome homemade chocolate!

Kay and Randy F. brought me a nice birthday cake, (which is mostly devoured in this pic) Thanks guys!



Since we no longer have nutty Pat bringing the Roundup cake, Stephen and Santana stepped up and took over that job. The cake was great!

Of all the cakes I had for my birthday, I have to say that this one was my favorite. Sandy baked this from scratch and it was the best tasting cake I have ever eaten. 8^)

Stephen finally figured out the legend of, 'Bigfoot' My secret is no longer safe...

Stephen and Santana.

Sharon and Kay.

Saturday evening.

Stacey's awesome tent. The best one at the camp.

Saturday evening.

Randy H. finishing off the evening with a huge pot of shrimp low country boil!

See you next year!

Back to M.A.G.M.A.

Back to American Rockhounds