Photo courtesy of the Arizona Honeybee Festival
Anticipation is building as the Arizona Honeybee Festival is set to return for its seventh year, highlighting the pivotal role honeybees play in our environment and ecosystem. Slated for Saturday, Nov. 11, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Paradise Valley Community College, 18401 N. 32nd St., in Phoenix, the festival promises a day filled with education, entertainment, and interactive experiences.
Honeybees, vital for pollination, are responsible for supporting a variety of plants critical to our planet’s survival. Interestingly, out of more than 20,000 bee species globally, only a fraction, about seven or eight, are recognized as honeybees. These industrious insects have a storied history, with one species being introduced to the Western Hemisphere by Pilgrims in the 1600s.
While native bees play their part in pollination, their solitary nature means they don’t have the capacity for mass pollination like honeybees. To illustrate, a single honeybee colony can house as many as 60,000 bees, making them instrumental in the pollination of several crops, including almonds, apples, oranges, and blueberries.
Recognizing the importance of these tiny heroes, the festival aims to spread knowledge and appreciation for honeybees. Attendees can look forward to a variety of attractions, including:
Free Kid’s Activities: An array of crafts will ensure young attendees get hands-on experience while learning about bees.
Musical Extravaganza: Talented artists like Zaylie Windsor and Meichelle Roberge will serenade festivalgoers throughout the day.
Expert-led Classes: Delve deeper into the world of honeybees with free classes hosted by seasoned experts.
Vendors with a Cause: Vendors passionate about their products, services, and the significance of honeybees will be on hand to showcase their offerings.
Art & Education: Bee-inspired art will grace the gallery, while the Beekeeping Education Booth will allow attendees to get up close with beekeeping tools and learn more about the trade.
Raffle & More: Attendees can also participate in a raffle and engage with multiple informational booths peppered throughout the festival.
Beekeepers and enthusiasts champion the cause of enhancing the environment for both honeybees and native bees. By promoting practices such as planting bee-friendly flowers and reducing pesticide usage, these advocates work tirelessly to ensure a thriving environment for all pollinators.
For more information, visit azhoneybeefest.org.
