(PRWEB) April 30, 2012

The Gold Prospectors Association of America will hold its Gold & Treasure Show May 5-6 in Boise, Idaho. The show will feature mucking and gold-panning contests as well as seminars led by Tom Massie, host of Gold Fever on the Outdoor Channel, or guest speakers. (Click here to view Gold & Treasure Show photos.)

With the price of gold spiking to record highs in 2011, GPAA President Brandon Johnson said gold fever is definitely rising and memberships to the organization have shown substantial growth over the last year.

Spiking gold prices are sometimes the deciding factor to turn off the TV and actually go gold prospecting to experience it for yourself. A quarter-ounce or pennyweight of gold is worth a lot more now than it used to be, Johnson said.

Prospecting isnt necessarily all about having the gold. Its as much about finding it, he said, adding that for many members the thrill is enjoying the outdoors with family and friends.

The Gold & Treasure Show in Boise will feature vendors and displays of gold nuggets, jewelry and prospecting equipment such as metal detectors, drywashers, spiral gold pans, dredges and highbankers.

Showgoers over 18 years of age will get a chance to win a two-week Alaska Gold Expedition trip to GPAAs famous Cripple River gold prospecting camp near Nome, Alaska. The event will run Saturday, May 5 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, May 6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Expo Idaho 5610 Glenwood, Boise, ID 83714, Center Expo Building.

Admission is $ 5. Children 12 and under admitted free. The first 100 paid attendees will receive a free vial of placer gold. Tickets are available at the door. To pre-register online and get in free, go to http://www.goldandtreasureshows.com.

To find out more about gold prospecting, gem and treasure hunting or how to contact a local GPAA chapter in your area, visit http://www.goldprospectors.org or call (800) 551-9707.

The Gold Prospectors Association of America has more than doubled the number of Gold & Treasure Shows on its nationwide tour from nine last year to 20 shows in 2012. There are 11 shows remaining this year:

2012 Gold & Treasure Shows

Boise, ID May 5 6, 2012

Salt Lake City, UT May 12 13, 2012

Reno/Sparks, NV May 19 20, 2012

Rapid City, SD August 25 26, 2012

Casper, WY September 8 9, 2012

Butte, MT September 15 16, 2012

Denver, CO September 22 23, 2012

Mesa, AZ September 29 30, 2012

St. Joseph, MO October 13 14, 2012

Dayton, OH October 20 21, 2012

Spartanburg, SC October 27 28, 2012