CORNING, N.Y. (WENY) -- The annual crystal show made its stop in Corning this weekend at the Nasser Civic Center Plaza.  There were local vendors from the area and hundreds of crystals to browse and buy.

Winter Crystal Fest Gem and Mineral Show is a highly anticipated event.  Sponsored by The Finger Lakes Gem, Mineral and Fossil Club, the fest has been going on for 8 years now. Vendors say its an opportunity to get their small businesses on the map.

"It's nice because here in Corning, I see some of my old customers that would come to my store and then, of course, new faces and new people.  The crowd is always nice and friendly, and it gets the crystals out there for people who need them, because there's really not any crystal shops in the area anymore," said Marjorie Starz, the owner of Marjorie's Mystical Crystals.

Whether people had been attending for years, or it was their first time going, they said it was an impressive experience.  Organizers said more than 1,000 people attended Crystal Fest.

"I came out today to see some vendors that I've seen before, and they always have great treasures here, so I just wanted to find out what was in store today.  It's always good to support local vendors and see what's out in the round.  This is her first time here, so I wanted her to see. I thought this would be up her alley and it's always a nice such a big collection of vendors," said John and Cassidy, two attendees.

People of all ages were attended, and customers were in and out all day.  Organizers say, Crystal Fest was more than just a place to buy crystals.

"We get a lot of kids here, and they love buying the little crystals and learning about it, so I try to educate anybody that asks about crystals and minerals and fossils," said Michael McElwee, the president of The Finger Lakes Gem, Mineral and Fossil Club.

The Crystal Fest will be coming back in April.  There will be local vendors again and it will be taking place at the Nassar Civic Center in Corning.