National Honey Bee Appreciation Day

Hi folks,
National Honey Bee Awareness (Appreciation) Day was a success!

Many of our beekeepers nearly sold out of honey and we had about 120 people attend the event.We had balloons (black and yellow of course) on the signposts to attract passers-by, our beautiful new big banner and signs directing people to the various classrooms.

In the Azalea Room of the Orange County Extension Office, we had "Ask the Beekeeper" forum. Member J.R. Denmam provided numerous documentaries and films about bees, including the most recent PBS program "The Silence of the Bees" discussing Colony Collapse Disorder throughout the world. He also provided a DVD player and television so people could watch the animated film "The Bee Movie" starring Jerry Seinfeld. Many people sat in and watched these videos. We had so many people with questions that we were busy all day just answering questions about bees and beekeeping.

In the Magnolia Room, the largest classroom, we sold our local honeys. We had seven (7) beekeepers selling honey they made from Kissimmee to DeLand. We had wildflower, orange blossom, gallberry, and just about everything in between. Everyone decorated their tables beautifully, labeled their honey bottles professionally and had taste samples.

Joe and Millie Meehan even sold baked goods such as an outrageous banana bread. Chris Stalder sold mandolin tea cakes. All were made with honey as a sweetener instead of sugar! Chris even sold bee and butterfly attracting plants such as milkweed and coral vine. Chris also had a box containing pieces of old burr comb and some old paper wasp nests so people could see the differences and similarities between the two.

Eileen Barnes and David Webb were also selling their beautiful beeswax candles (as was Chris). Eileen made and sold the most beautiful potholders she sewed using bee-themed fabric. Paul had his gourmet honeys for sale and had honey dippers on the table for sale as well. Shawn Boltz sold his "Cassadaga Spirit Honey" and it flew off the table.

The Orange Blossom Beekeepers Association table sold OBBA honey and OBBA T-Shirts to support the club. Michael Housel donated items such as bear bottles, honey straws and stuffed toy bees to be sold and the proceeds given to OBBA. Michael also donated the most amazing photograph of a bee face in a frame for sale.

Our event started at 10:00 a.m. and we packed up and closed down at 4:00 p.m. We had a steady stream of visitors the entire time. My niece Molly Fox and her friend Kevin Hagar manned the OBBA booth and Kevin made balloon honeybees and gave them out to kids and adults.

Beekeepers who participated in the honey sales were:

Paul Allison (OBBA Treasurer)
Eileen Barnes (OBBA Secretary)
Shawn Boltz
Chris Stalder
Joe & Millie Meehan
David Webb (OBBA Vice-President)

Everyone who attended the event had a great time. Many people stayed and chatted with all the beekeepers about the benefits of honey and the problem with CCD. Most of the people who attended really had to go out of their way to come, as the Extension Office is a little off the beaten path.

All in all, the Orange Blossom Beekeepers Association's presentation of National Honey Bee Awareness (Appreciation) Day was a big success. Everyone had fun and made a little money as well!

Beth Fox
President
Orange Blossom Beekeepers Association