The annual gem and mineral festival starts in Cloncurry today and continues until Sunday.

Festival orgniser Gail Wapaki said the event was now in its fifth year and had made a name for itself on the Cloncurry social calendar.

“It’s always a great day out,” she said.

“It fun for families, especially the kids, because there’s lots to do. We always get great crowds.”

Boasting rocks of all shapes and sizes, market stalls, food, drink, entertainment and more, it has something for everyone.

Visitors to the festival can also take part in wire wrapping, dichroic glass pendant and lamp bead workshops.

Mrs Wapaki said it was a rock lover’s dream.

“There’s cut gems, tumbled stones, semi precision stones, precious gems and more,” she said.

“And people can even have a go at fossicking for treasure as part of the day and see if they win a prize.”

It was busy at Mary Kathleen Park yesterday ahead of the event.

Tents were being set up and exhibitors started to roll in.

The Rockhana Gem and Mineral Festival is being held at Mary Kathleen Park, Cloncurry.

It is open from 3-9pm today, 9am to 9pm Saturday and 9am to 4pm on Sunday.

Entry is free.