Annual Open Hive scheduled Sept. 12

Delaware Beekeepers Association‘s premier event — its annual Open Hive — has been scheduled for Saturday, Sept.12 at Coleman‘s Tree Farm, located on Route 9, south of Odessa.

The event is free and open to the public and will include a variety of topics on beekeeping and the role bees play in local agriculture. The public will have an opportunity to see first-hand how beekeepers handle bees and hives.

BLESS THE BEES. Fr. Boniface Black of St. Andrews Antiochian Orthodox Church in Lewes
throws Holy Water on hives owned by Sussex County VP Paula Dardaris during the
“Blessing of the Bees” which she holds annually at her farm near Hollymount. About 50 people
attended the event on August 23 which included a Greek buffet, lots of honey and mead.
Dennis Friedel photo.

This year, three speakers will headline the fanfare beginning at 9 a.m. with a registration and networking session.

DBA President Frank Marro will offer opening remarks followed by Delaware‘s Secretary of Agriculture Ed Kee speaking on "The Importance of Honeybees to vegetable crops in Delaware."

Following Kee‘s remarks, DBA members Bob Bauer and Bill Leitzinger will give a presentation on "Why Beekeeping is a Great Hobby and How to Get Started."

Following a morning break, State Apiarist Bob Mitchell will present a honey extraction demonstration followed by a honey "taste test."

At 11:30, attendees will break for a pot luck luncheon followed by the open hive demonstration where members of the public will actually get to see how a bee hive functions, including experienced beekeepers opening hives, identifying the kinds of bees inside (including the queen!) and pointing out how the bees construct the hive and what takes place inside.

Safety equipment (veils, etc.) will be provided for those who prefer to take a closer look. DBA members are asked to bring any extra veils they may have as well as supply a covered dish for lunch. There are no food heating appliances at the site, so members should bring dishes which can be served cold.

For more information, call Bill Leitzinger at (302) 584-4631 or email him at zinger13@att.net