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Sweet turnout for State Honey Festival

By Gwen Sour 4 min read

PARKERSBURG -- Sunshine, honey and plenty of buzz drew crowds to City Park on Saturday for the 45th annual West Virginia State Honey Festival.

Jared Bloxton, executive director of the Wood County Recreation Commission, said the break from rainy weather helped bring visitors to the festival, which featured beekeepers, craftspeople, food vendors, educational activities and a honey show.

"I think it's a wonderful turnout," Bloxton said. "I think people were really itching for finally a weekend with less rain. We've got a little bit in the forecast, but temperatures are pretty good (Saturday), and that's helped us."

Bloxton estimated the festival included between 20 and 30 honey vendors, although some shared booths through their beekeeping associations. Participants traveled from areas including Morgantown and Fairmont to attend the event.

Connections with beekeeping associations across the state also helped organizers add a honey show to this year's festival. Judges evaluated honey and other bee-related products entered in the competition.

Bloxton said local beekeeper Bob of Bearsville Bees served as a liaison between festival organizers and beekeeping groups around West Virginia.

"He's been a wonderful help," Bloxton said. "He's kind of our liaison into all the beekeeping associations statewide, so he's been wonderful and very inviting."

The festival began Friday evening with its first Buzzing Glow Run 5K, which attracted more than 60 runners. Bloxton said interest continued Saturday, with visitors purchasing festival merchandise and stopping to ask about the activities taking place in the park.

"Most people know this is a really long-standing tradition," he said. "We've had great community response and participation so far today."

Among the returning vendors was Amy Wieloh-Darmelio, owner of Lakeside Honey. A physical therapist with an interest in biology, Wieloh-Darmelio said she began following a friend who kept bees and became fascinated with the science behind their behavior and health.

She eventually began taking classes and now teaches beginner beekeeping courses through her local bee club. Wieloh-Darmelio operates three apiaries and sells bees to people who want to establish their own hives.

"I just think the biology is fascinating," she said.

Wieloh-Darmelio said she tries to use every part of the hive, including honey, beeswax and propolis, while relying on natural and organic practices. Saturday marked her fourth year attending the festival.

"I think it's a great turnout," she said. "I really respect people coming out in the heat because I know it's hot, but we're just happy to have sunshine. People are really supportive."

For Sharon Christ, owner of Hillybilly Honey, beekeeping began with childhood memories of helping her father care for bees.

Christ returned to the activity as an adult after taking a beekeeping class in Jackson County in 2008. Other beekeepers helped her establish her first hive, and she soon became "hooked."

She later began making products from materials found in the hive. Christ said she took six jars of handmade cream to the first honey festival where she sold products, and all six sold before noon.

Christ now makes hand and face creams, lip balm, honey fudge and other items using honey, beeswax and propolis. She also helped establish a regional beekeeping association that once included members from several West Virginia counties.

Educational opportunities were available for younger festival visitors through a "Bee Educated" trail.

Jackie Griffith, a participating beekeeping association member, said children received cards directing them to eight stops around the festival. At each stop, they learned something about bees and received a stamp. Children who completed the trail could return their cards for a prize.

Information included facts about pollen-collecting bees and the flowers blooming at this time of year.

"It's really important to get involved in the community," Griffith said. "Even though they might not be a beekeeper, there are things they can do to help the bees and help the beekeepers themselves."

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