A quick trip to the Lismore Showground found the Lismore Lapidary Club crew hard at work getting Gemfest 2023, one of Australia's largest gem and mineral shows ready to open the gates at 9am next Saturday, May 20.

While we, the public, don't see the behind-the-scenes work and the stresses placed on the club committee and dedicated team of volunteers, they have been present but thanks to COVID and last year's flood, it is nothing they can't take in their stride more easily now.

North Coast National, the organisation that looks after the Lismore Showground, has been improving the grounds with a new commercial-sized kitchen installed outside of the main pavilion with a fantastic rustic wooden bench at the front, upgraded buildings and new concrete pathways that will benefit every event that is held at the Lismore Showground in the future.

When you add over 700 Ulysees members last week taking over the showground and the fact that last year's flood destroyed a number of necessary items like field trip posters and you can understand there have been a few small challenges to overcome.

Vice President of the Lismore Lapidary Club Jenny Vyrenhoek told the Lismore App they will be ready with another brilliant Gemfest in 2023.

"People can expect a huge amount of brilliant and beautiful gemstones, crystals and opals from over 140 trade exhibitors. There are a lot of outside stalls, demonstrations in our club rooms, great food and drink stalls plus ATMs if you get stuck for cash."

Each year, there are some magnificent gemstones to view and buy with the most expensive well over one thousand dollars.

Jenny explained, "We get crystal caves and they can be really tall, they can stand up to a metre high easily. We sell a few of those each year."

"As always, the kids can fossick on the hill for gems and minerals and this year we ran a kid's colouring competition (entries closed Friday) which will be on display for them and their parents to view with prizes given out."

The list of food available includes:

• Jom Makan Mobile Eatery
• Authentic Indian
• Potato Works
• Happs Health Bar
• Rotary and Lions Clubs of Lismore putting on a barbecue
• Mr Whippy Ice Cream Van
• Speedway will provide coffee and cakes
• South Lismore Public School canteen

The South Lismore Public School will also be operating a tuckshop-style lunch for the 140-plus tailgaters who cannot get away from their tables to eat and drink. They will simply place their order with the students who will prepare and deliver lunch to their table. Just like it used to be at school back in the day....

One major change for Gemfest 2023 is the parking situation.

This year, there is FREE parking with entry off Dunoon Road only. There will be no access or parking on the road near the Farmers Markets gates or the main gates.

"Please note the new Traffic Plan which will mean there is no roadside parking along Tweed/Dunoon Street & Alexander Parade. The access road between the rail line and Showgrounds is reserved for the volunteers working at Gemfest."

FOOT ENTRY to Gemfest will be via the Free parking area in two locations noted on the map below.

"We ask all our attendees to please follow the parking rules and be safe in your travels," said Jenny Vyrenhoek.

The entry price has not increased along with the cost of living. Entry is still $5 for adults, $1 for children 12 years and under.

Gemfest 2023 is open from 9am to 5pm on Saturday, May 20 and from 9am to 3pm on Sunday, May 21 at the Lismore Showgrounds in North Lismore.

For more information, click here to view the Gemfest 2023 Facebook page.