Stalls at the Opal and Gem Expo will open at 9am on Thursday morning so be there early to get the bargains.

The IOJDAA Trade Show, which is being held upstairs at the Lightning Ridge Bowling Club, also starts at 9am and is not to be missed.

For just a gold coin donation you will be amazed by the magnificent “Magic Carpet,” which is covered in opals, including a black opal from Lightning Ridge as its centrepiece, courtesy of Paul Sedowi from Seda Opals.

You can also revisit the past with the historical society’s incredible heritage panels which depict the early settlers and history of Lightning Ridge. It will be a nostalgic experience for some of the older members of our community and those who had ancestors living here in those earlier days.

The carving classes with some of our students are also worth a look. See how talented our up-and-coming generation is.

Of course all the stalls stocked with jewellery and stones of the high quality we have come to expect from them will be there as well.

To top things off we have a great photograph taken by Griffo’s Photography of the very first winner of the IOJDAA Awards, courtesy of Helen Mulder.

Griffo will have a fabulous gallery of photos on display including all the entries and winners from last year’s IOJDAA Awards.

He will be available during the show to take photos of your jewellery or stones and print them out on his large format printer. Visit Griffo at his shop “Opal Wilderness” opposite the John Murray Gallery.

Don’t leave without a visit to the IOJDAA Trade Show upstairs at the bowling club.

It will be the place to be during the Opal Festival.