We went to the Maryland Honey Festival in September 2014. The festival was held at the National Wildlife Visitor Center in Laurel, Maryland. The center has plenty of its own exhibits to enjoy.
The main attraction for us was the honey festival since we love honey. It's great on tea or in oatmeal or in bread recipes or on toast.
Several informative signs showed us how honey is collected and the impact of honey bees on our shopping choices.
Even better was two women demonstrating the honey extraction process. They had honey combs that they spun in a large cylinder. Then they took the combs out, scraped off the outsides into a special bin where the honey drips out and the wax (which can be used for candles) is retained.
Face painting was popular. Both J and L took turns getting something nice.
Outside in a tent, members from the Maryland State Beekeepers Association demonstrated beekeeping, including opening up a hive and looking inside! It was bit hot outside (and a bit scary) so the kids went back to the air conditioned shade while I watched some of the demonstration.
The festival included speakers, a children's story time, and a live auction but we didn't have the stamina to stay. We did buy some local honeys which we have been enjoying immensely for months and months. Our supply is almost gone, so we are ready for another honey festival!
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| National Wildlife Visitor Center |
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| Family of timber wolves outside |
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| L and J go for a ride |
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| L gets a bite |
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| Polar bear with arctic buddies inside |
The main attraction for us was the honey festival since we love honey. It's great on tea or in oatmeal or in bread recipes or on toast.
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| Part of the festival |
Several informative signs showed us how honey is collected and the impact of honey bees on our shopping choices.
 |
| Where honey comes from |
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| How much produce depends on bees |
Even better was two women demonstrating the honey extraction process. They had honey combs that they spun in a large cylinder. Then they took the combs out, scraped off the outsides into a special bin where the honey drips out and the wax (which can be used for candles) is retained.
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| Spin the combs |
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| Scrape the combs |
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| Drain the honey |
Face painting was popular. Both J and L took turns getting something nice.
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| J in the chair |
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| J's paint |
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| L gets started |
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| A butterfly on her face |
Outside in a tent, members from the Maryland State Beekeepers Association demonstrated beekeeping, including opening up a hive and looking inside! It was bit hot outside (and a bit scary) so the kids went back to the air conditioned shade while I watched some of the demonstration.
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| Beekeeper in a tent with his bees |
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| Suiting up for the job |
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| Smoking the hive |
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| Opening the hive |
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| One rack of bees |
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| Close up |
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| A more populated (and honey filled) rack |
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| I think he was pointing out the queen here; I want to point out his bare arms!! |
The festival included speakers, a children's story time, and a live auction but we didn't have the stamina to stay. We did buy some local honeys which we have been enjoying immensely for months and months. Our supply is almost gone, so we are ready for another honey festival!
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