This year’s Picnic and Rock Swap will be Saturday, June 20th in Monte Sano State Park (5105 SE Nolen Ave, Huntsville, AL) at the Trailhead Pavilion, aka the “Bikers Trailhead Pavilion”. (Note: This is a change of location from last year. We are NOT meeting at the Large Pavilion stone shelter.)
FREE PARK ADMISSION: Tell the gate attendant you’re with Huntsville Gem & Mineral Society or HGMS, and you won’t be charged park admission fees. (But you’re welcome to make a donation at the gate.)
We’ll start gathering at 9:30am, and lunch will be at 11:30am. The meal will be potluck. Members may bring any type of food they like – casseroles, salads, desserts, or other goodies. Please be sure your food is picnic friendly. If your dish needs to be kept cool, please use an ice chest. HGMS will provide the meat and paperware. Also remember to bring your own non-alcoholic drinks. Guests are welcome to join us. Caution: There’s poison ivy at the park, and you’ll likely want to have bug repellent and sunscreen! Wear sturdy shoes as the ground around the pavilion can be uneven. We usually wrap up about 2pm, but park hours are 8am – sunset, so you’re welcome to arrive early and/or stay after to enjoy the park.
SWAP/SELL: Members are invited to bring their rocks, etc., for swap or sale. Bring your own table(s) and chair(s) for your swap/sales station. Remember to bring cash or check to make purchases. This is a good opportunity to swap or sell your wares and to purchase new items. HGMS will not charge a fee to sell your items. Any proceeds you receive will be yours to keep.
DIRECTIONS: Enter the park on SE Nolen Ave off Monte Sano Blvd SE. Continue on Nolen to the park gate and check in. Stay on Nolen. At the fork, bear to your right. The pavilion is located at the Bikers Trailhead near Cabins 1 – 5.
