TUCSON, ARIZONA -- the leadership of the Tucson Gem and Mineral Society (TGMS) have announced that they are cancelling their 2021 show. The TGMS portion of the annual Tucson “Gem Show” has been the flagship event every year since 1955. The announcement of the cancellation is yet another example of how fear of COVID-19 has inflicted significant detrimental impacts on our community.
TGMS has been the people’s Gem Show. Each year they host educational exhibits that attract school groups, families and many of our winter visitors. While other shows focus on the sale of high-end gems, TGMS has remained true to its initial goal of being the local show, run by local volunteers, and geared to the local public. Theirs is a unique audience among the various vendors who comprise the annual event. Given the character and demographics of the event, it is to their great credit that TGMS leadership expressed the sincere concern over not wanting to play a role in spreading coronavirus back out into the community, possibly resulting in significant illness or death.
"Even as they announce the cancellation of the ‘21 show, TGMS leadership is beginning work on a self-described “Blockbuster 2022 Tucson Gem and Mineral Show, ” said Steve Kozochik, Tucson City Council member. "While I join the rest of the community in expressing disappointment that we won’t have the signature Gem Show to visit in 2021, I’m certain I join all Tucsonans in expressing gratitude for the socially responsible decision TGMS has made, and an eagerness to see what they’ll bring in ‘22."