FOX 21 News, KQDS-DT

MOOSE LAKE-Agate-hunters show-off their collections at a giant annual event on Sunday. "Agate Days", in its 43rd year, invited dozens of mineral traders to barter at the city's high school.

Organizers, however, said last month's flooding nearly ruined the space and if it wasn't for the community pulling together, most celebrations in the area would need to be cancelled.

Vendor Gary Pitoscia showed off his stash of Minnesota's state stone.

"Everybody likes to go out and find the little shiny stone on the ground. And they pick it up. From young to old they're all out looking for agates," Pitoscia said.

But as sleek as the expo space looked on Sunday, like a pre-tumbled agate Moose Lake High School had some serious rough spots during the past month.

"When we came down for our picnic the day after the storm we were supposed to have our gem stone picnic right here at the pavilion and the city was flooded over," Pitoscia said.

Carol Risdan, Vice President of the Carlton County Club that held the show, said it was the will of community and its volunteers protecting the structures that helped make it all possible.

"This school was just about underwater. The gym didn't get water in it so that's why we're able to have the show," Risdan said.

"I think it's good for the community. It brings a lot of people in here. I'm sure the community needs a little more revenue at this time," Risdan said.

"It's just a really nice, i shouldn't say clean hobby because you've got to dig around in the dirt for 'em, but it's, you know, a really fun hobby to get into," Risdan said.

School administrators have estimated total repair costs for the school could reach $1 million. There is still no word on if nearby homes will receive individual assistance from FEMA.