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Iowa Honey Producers Association |
The Buzz Newsletter November 2006 |
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The Buzz – November 2006
Things are starting to come to an end as winter quickly approaches but that doesn’t mean there aren’t any beekeepers events to which can be attended. In September, I mention that I had the chance to visit Iowa’s largest county fair, the Clay County Fair but I also visited the 8th Annual Honeyfest at the Indian Nature Creek Center by Cedar Rapids. It was a beautiful fall day; the sun was shining warm rays through the vibrant leaves on the trees, the smell of autumn and honey was in the air. It was a fun filled day for all those who attended. There were various stations situated around the grounds that focused on different areas of beekeeping, honey, and bees. One station gave samples of different flavors of honey while another would explain the hive setup. An important feature provided for kids was the hands-on, interactive projects some including potatoes sac races, dip your own beeswax candle, and trying to wrestle your fingers out of the treacherous Chinese finger trap. Throughout the day songs from the live band rang into the air. There was also a play presented about the little know Honey War which took place on the Iowa, Missouri border in the early 1800s. Who know that cutting down three honeybee trees would cause such a dispute; I guess that is a warning to all not to mess with Iowa! I think that one of the highlights of the day was the bee beard. The day came to an end after several hours of conversing and learning. I would recommend you attend this event, not only are there many fun things to do and see but you are taken back to 1905 through pioneer costumes when beekeeping first became common.
As many of you know the Annual Iowa Honey Producers
Association meeting will be held on November 17 and 18 in Marshalltown.
From what I have heard this should be a very educational couple
of days; they have a few speakers coming helping both beginners
and the experienced with any questions they may have. During the
banquet part of the meeting I will also have the honor of crowning
the 2007 Iowa Honey Queen followed by the queen action. It will
be a busy but beneficial weekend and I hope to see many of you
there.
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Brownie Scout troop was able to visit for the day.
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