Events
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Annual Bee Fest
June 3, 2017 @ 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
2017 Langstroth Bee Fest to be held at Second Congregational Church, Greenfield, MA, on Saturday, June 3 from 9:30 am to 12:30 pm.
Myraid activities will take place throughout the festival including timely bee education for adults from regional and statewide experts along with a multitude of children’s activities (Pollinator Parade through Farmer’s Market, bee crafts, bee piñata, bee dances, & bee prizes.) All this sweet activity will be located at the stone church next to Town Hall and Greenfield Farmers’ Market.
Along with a jam–packed morning of bee-themed events, visitors are invited to visit the permanent exhibit to honor Langstroth, unveiled last year. It features photographs, a copy of his classic beekeeper’s manual, “The Hive and Honey-bee,” and more. Outside, a permanent granite monument to him, installed in 1947, has gotten a face lift with a welcoming pad added comprised of bee cell shaped stones.
What’s the point of all this bee-centric activity? According to Rev. Corey Sanderson, current pastor at Second Church, “Our congregation feels a special calling to provide timely and relevant information about bees. Against the backdrop of serious worldwide bee die-off, we have the privilege of rich history with these hard-working pollinators.”
What else? A huge collection of bee-themed products valued at over $2,500 donated by artists and companies across the U.S. resulted in gift baskets and sweet Silent Auction prizes for some lucky winners. Proceeds will help feed hungry people through SNAP coupons used at Farmers’ Market for local food, Just Roots that shares locally-grown food with residents and schools, and worldwide through Heifer Project International all part of Second Church’s outreach mission.
Want more? The first 100 people receive a free pollinator plant, courtesy of Pioneer Gardens, Deerfield. Take a selfie with a costumed bee and the bee piñata then break it open for prizes. See live bees in an observation hive by Franklin Co. Beekeepers, facepaint, make bee crowns and wands, play bee games, drink Arizona Honey Tea. At noon, a cake will be shared to celebrate Langstroth’s 207th birthday. Oh, yes, and this community event is free. All are welcome. Sponsors include: Tire Warehouse, Opus, Magpie, Karen’s Dance Studio, Sherwin Williams, Arizona Tea Company, Greenfield Farmer’s Market, Johnny’s Seeds, Pioneer Gardens. Organized by members of Second Congregational Church and Franklin County Beekeeper’s Association. For more information: https://www.facebook.com/beefest/
SCHEDULE of EVENTS:
9:30-11:30 Kids Honey Bee Tea Party -sideyard
Crafts (Bee wands, crowns), bee games, facepainting, FREE BEES & bee bags
Bee Face-in-hole Photo Op
Bee Pinata: take a selfie
~First 100 get free bee-loving plant & seeds
EAT: Magpie’s Honey Pie, AZ Tea, popcorn
10:30 Adults Learn about the latest bee research, local history, bee health and more in the sanctuary.
Keynote Kim Flottum speaks at 11:00
10:45 Karen’s Dance Studio on lawn
11:00 Pollinators Parade through Farmers’ Market then enjoy photo ops
11:15 Break open Bee Pinata
11:30 Bee Quilt Auction-in sanctuary
11:45 Garden Award- in sanctuary with Gov. Deval Patrick
12:00 Langstroth’s 207th bday cake!
12:15 Bee basket drawings! Get Tix early!!
All Day:
Take a chance & win bee-themed items valued at over $2,000! Proceeds after expenses go to Just Roots, Heifer Project Int’l & SNAP