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Seashell Expo coming to Clearwater Beach
| Article published on Monday, June 29, 2009 |
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| Photo courtesy of SUNCOAST CONCHOLOGISTS |
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| This golden cowrie shell is an example of what may be seen at the International Seashell Expo during The Conchologists of America Inc. annual convention Sunday through Thursday, July 19-23. |
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CLEARWATER - The Conchologists of America Inc. annual convention is Sunday through Thursday, July 19-23, at the Hilton Clearwater Beach Resort. The International Seashell Expo will be open to the public Wednesday, 2 to 9 p.m., and Thursday, 9 a.m. to noon.
The Conchologists of America Inc. (COA) is an international organization of seashell enthusiasts – from beachcombers to serious collectors, seashell dealers, and noted authors and scientists at prominent museums and universities.
One of the highlights of this five-day event will be an International Seashell Expo, a veritable supermarket of some of the most beautiful and exotic shells from around the world, as well as related items such as shell jewelry, books, photographs and other unique articles.
Approximately 35 seashell dealers, some from as far away as South Africa, Brazil, Australia, Greece and the Far East, will fill the grand ballroom of the Hilton selling their treasures. The event will be open to the public from 2 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday, July 22, and 9 a.m. to noon on Thursday, July 22.
Hosting this annual convention is the Clearwater Seashell Club, Suncoast Conchologists, who are celebrating a silver anniversary this year. Theme of the event is “Cruising The Suncoast” aboard the imaginary cruise ship Silver Alatus. The seashell Strombus alatus, the Florida Fighting Conch, is the club’s signature shell and the logo for the convention features a stylized alatus shell that has been artistically turned into a cruise ship.
A pre-registration fee of $100 is required to attend all the events of the convention with the exception of the Seashell Expo. Other events that will take place during the convention include 19 programs ranging from travelogues, such as “Cat Island Adventure” to scientific presentations like “Bringing Back The Scallop In Tampa Bay.”
There will also be three silent auctions; a Bon Voyage Sail Away Welcome Party where the imaginary cruise ship Silver Alatus is
to be christened; a verbal auction of specimen shells and shell-related items; several “Shell Bargain Tables;” and a competitive show, the “Suncoast Silver Spectacular Collectible Show” where some very unique first and second place trophies will be awarded to the winners in each of six categories.
A good portion of the proceeds raised at the annual COA conventions go toward funding scholarship grants in malacology for qualified Masters and PhD candidates, as well as deserving marine-related research projects. Since its inception more than $185,000 has been awarded to qualified recipients.
Not included in the pre-registration fee are a choice of various excursions on Saturday, July 18, prior to the opening. These include a combination sightseeing/shopping/boat cruise in Tarpon Springs, a fossil hunting trip where collectors can search for shells 3 to 5 million years old and a SCUBA diving trip into the Gulf of Mexico. Additional excursions slated for Tuesday evening include a sunset dinner cruise aboard the StarLite Majesty and a shell collecting trip. Convention registration is required to attend any of these excursions.
Also on Tuesday afternoon a craft session “Art-At-Sea,” where participants will learn how to make a shell picture frame, is scheduled at an additional cost of $8 for the materials used.
The Hilton Resort is located at 400 Mandalay Ave., one block north of the roundabout. Since parking at the hotel is limited, it is suggested that attendees park in either the municipal parking lot serving the marina or the beach lots and walk to the Hilton.
Single day registrations are also available. People seeking more information about registration or any of the convention events can call 1-727-796-4117, or e-mail COA2009@aol.com.
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Article published on Monday, June 29, 2009
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