We’re programming for fun this summer at the diamond mine

By Margi Jenks

Summer is right around the corner, so mark your calendars for all of the fun programs that we have scheduled at the Crater of Diamonds State Park.

Visit with an Expert Diamond Miner—May 25, June 1, July13

Talking to one of our seasoned diamond miners is one of the best ways to get your diamond mining questions answered.  The programs are at 2:00 PM, are free and open to the public and are held in the Visitor Center theater. 

Diamond Water Park Pool Parties—June 8, July 13

The park staff enjoys putting on our pool parties for our guests.  The June 8^th party has an Under the Sea theme, and the July 13^th is an Independence Day party.  The usual fee for getting into the water park also brings games and prizes for all ages, food, music, and decorations to get you in the mood.

Prospector Gemboree—July 15

Our annual celebration of diamond prospectors, past and present, is a day of family fun.  We have games and contests, free watermelon (for the watermelon seed spitting contest), door prizes, and a hunt for buried treasure out on the search field (orange bottles filled with prizes).  Also don’t miss the Diamond Exhibition held in the park classroom.  Many long time searchers will be exhibiting their gorgeous collections of Crater Diamonds.

Teacher’s Workshop—June 20

Five area parks will be sending their interpreters to speak to teachers needing professional credits.  The topics will range from biology to history, and is always fun and interesting. The workshop, from 9:00 AM-3:00PM, will earn 6 credit hours and includes lunch in the $20 workshop fee.  Dawson Educational Co-operative website is the place to register.

Finally, don’t forget our daily programs, Diamond Mining 101 and Ask an Interpreter.  Everyday we have several diamond mining demonstrations.  Learn how to look for diamonds, including the best places to go, the characteristics of diamonds and how to use our rental screens most affectively.   Our Ask an Interpreter program meets you out on the searchfield, where we answer any questions and talk with you about diamond mining strategies.  The daily program schedules can be found by clicking on the event calendar on our web site—www.craterofdiamondsstatepark.com. 

Search area last plowed:  April 23, 2013; Most recent heavy rain:  May 15-17, 2013—3 inches!

Total diamonds found in 2013: 221

Diamonds registered for May 12-18, 2012 (100 points = 1 carat): 

May 12 to 14 - No diamonds were registered

 May 15 - Ron Cudmore, Murfreesboro, AR, 3 pt. white; Renee Duhon, Sweeny, TX, 14 pt. white; Faye Weeks, Coffee Springs, AL; Cubby, Daytona Beach, FL, 4 pt. white, 5 pt. white

May 16  - Jentry David Weeks, Enterprise, AL, 21 pt. white

May 17 - Cubby, Daytona Beach, FL, 8 pt. yellow

May 18 - No diamonds were registered