Free Classes & Demos
The entire idea behind our Honey Harvest Festival is to share beekeeping with the community. We hope that everyone attending the festival leaves with a deeper appreciation for these amazing little creatures. If you’d like to learn more about becoming a beekeeper, caring for bees, inviting them to your yard or garden, or just want to talk about honey, there’s something for everyone on our schedule.
All classes and demonstrations are free. No registration is required, but seating is limited. Classes will be held in our seasonal greenhouses at the end of the parking lot.
Saturday, October 5th
11:00 AM - Beekeeping 101, Erin Holko
Have you ever wondered what it takes to be a beekeeper? Join Erin for a chat about the most frequently asked questions and see if this fun hobby might be right for you!
12:00 PM - The Community Apiary at Masterson’s, Dan Masterson & Erin Holko
We’re excited to continue our favorite new project - the Community Apiary. Like a community garden, but for bees! Find out how you can keep a hive or two, right here at Masterson’s. This is a great opportunity for those without space to keep bees on their own property, for groups wishing to enjoy this activity together, or anyone that wants to participate in a supportive, group environment. We’ll talk about the opportunities available for next year and answer any questions you may have.
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM - Live Music from The Water Dogs
We’ve excited to have this group join us once again for some live music during the festival! This sibling trio has been creating and performing together since 2014, and writes and performs their own original music.
2:00 PM - Gardening for Pollinators, David O’Donnell of Eastern Monarch Butterfly Farm
Join WNY’s “Butterfly Guy” to learn about what you can do in your own yard to support our precious pollinators!
Ongoing Demonstrations
Honey Extracting
See how honey gets from the bee box to the jar, and the sticky steps along the way! We’ll have beekeepers from our Community Apiary on hand throughout the event demonstrating this and answering all of your bee questions. This will take place in our aquatic greenhouse, directly behind the store.
Candle Making
It wouldn’t be a bee festival without beeswax candles! There will be candle making demonstrations throughout the weekend, showing you the process of cleaning the wax through pouring the candles.
Mead & Beer Tasting
Visit the mead vendors and brewers to sample their delightful craft brews. Check out the Vendor Page to see who’ll be here!
Alpaca Viewing
Thistle Creek Alpacas will be here hanging out with us for the weekend. Come say hello to these sweet mamas and babies!