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2007 Best Public Show
Where: 601 W. Simpson Street, east of I-10, in historic Barrio Libre. If you head west onto Simpson from Stone Ave., you’ll see the famous Elysian Market, one of the most photographed buildings in Tucson. JG & M’s website has a nice map showing its show's location: www.jgmexpo.com, click on “Maps & Directions.”
2010 update: Very slow this year, again, as with many of the other shows. Still, Arizona Bead Dog always like coming here to browse over the lunch hour.
2009 update: This show is suffering along with all the other gem shows in town for lack of buyers. While the lot was crowded, the show was slow. But this year there is a similar mix of vendors as in years past, although some vendors from last year aren't here, and new ones are in their place.
What: [2008 review.] The Simpson Street Show is a great show, and was 2007's pick for best public show. This is a compact show, all indoors in a clean, well-ventilated area, with ample parking and restrooms. Arizona Bead Dog visited this show on its opening day in 2008, and no food vendor was there; by the 11th, Bob's Smokehouse BBQ was there. Besides food, the show was filled with vendors offering stone benches ($500-600 and up), stone tables ($1300 and up), beaded belts and bags, calcite lights, soap in the shape of rocks and minerals, large and small mineral specimens (some had lights), loose stones, beads (but not as many as in years past), crystal hair barettes, Southwest jewelry, fine finished jewelry, costume jewelry, unique designer jewelry, Colombian emeralds, perfume, sterling silver findings, jewelry display, pearls, embroidered jackets and scarves, watches, and other items. You’ll get a good idea of the tip of the gem-show iceberg by visiting this show, and it will encourage you to explore other show venues to find what you’re looking for.
This show has an ATM machine.
Inside
or Out: There are a few tents outside; most of the show is enclosed under one large tent.
Tips: This is a great show to visit during your lunch hour, or for a quick stop before you go home. Also, like the TEP Show, some vendors arrive later in the show schedule, and a few leave early. In other words, you can visit this show multiple times and probably not see everything.
Parking: The show provides ample and free parking.
Food: In 2008, Bob's Smokehouse BBQ.
Rest
rooms: As of 2007, this show boasted the best outdoor public restrooms.
2011 show
dates: Open over 2 weeks, which includes 3 weekends, beginning Saturday, January 29th through Sunday, February 13th.
Show hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. except the last day, which is 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
2009 Shuttle routes: Ruby/Emerald.
For additional information: www.jgmexpo.com.
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