Catch the buzz!

The first Niwot Honey Bee Harvest Festival will take flight on Aug. 28 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring hives of fun activity around town. Look for flyers posted with the schedule of the day's activities.

Niwot Business Association vice-president Deb Fowler and Niwot resident Victoria Keen have been very "beesy" organizing the festival since early 2021. Honey bees are not native to the United States and were brought over by the pilgrims, but they have long been a part of the Niwot area.

According to long-time Niwot beekeeping expert Tom Theobald, Boulder County was a major honey-producing center during the late 1800's and early 1900's, and shipped honey to the eastern U.S. by the train-car load.

"The festival seemed like a natural fit for Niwot, because it celebrates our agricultural heritage," Keen said. "The honey produced in Boulder County has long been regarded by many as some of the finest in the country. We are fortunate to have many local experts on bees, organic agriculture and horticulture. The event will also provide practical information about simple things we can all do to help pollinators."

"The festival is generating a lot of enthusiasm in the community," Fowler said. "There is a tie-in for practically every local business. Many residents offered their input and creativity to help plan this event, including local artist Jane Langdon who created the charming logo. I can visualize this festival as a fresh and successful event year after year."

To start the day, at 10 a.m., take the kids to the DRF Real Estate office on 2nd Avenue to pick up bee wings and antennae, then follow the Queen Bee for a flight around town! Check out locations in Cottonwood Square for children's activities, including a Spelling Bee at Inkberry Books.

The Spelling Bee will feature three sessions: Ages 5-7 (10-11 a.m.), Ages 8-10 (12-1 p.m.) and Ages 11-13 (2-3 p.m.). Prizes will be awarded and everyone gets a participation prize. The contests will be limited to 20 kids competing per session; sign-up sheets are located at DRF Real Estate or call 303-834-5664 if you have questions.

Watch a demonstration on making honey hand lotion between 12 and 2 p.m. at the Niwot Market and sample honey-based cosmetic products at the "Bee-auty Spa" located at Blessings Day Spa in Cottonwood Square. Roll your own beeswax candle in front of Seven Wealth on 2nd Avenue. The Niwot Market will feature fresh Colorado produce specials and chili roasting all day.

At noon, "fly" on over to Whistle Stop Park for a special concert featuring Boulder recording artist Jenn Cleary singing songs from her new kid's album, "All Together Now." Her upbeat, playful tunes about environmental stewardship resonate with people of all ages. Other musicians will be performing on 2nd Avenue and Cottonwood Square throughout the day.

If you want to learn more about bees, buzz over to the Left Hand Grange to hear fascinating presentations starting at 10 a.m. by local experts on honey bees, beekeeping, native bees, horticulture, gardening for pollinators, and honey wine mead-making. Look for the speaker roster posted outside the Grange on festival day.

"Bee inspired" by educational booth vendors at Left Hand Corner. Enclosed observation hives will be provided by The Boulder County Beekeepers Association and People & Pollinators Action Network. Don't worry; the hives are completely enclosed so there is no danger of getting stung.

Pop-up vendor booths on 2nd Avenue and in Cottonwood Square will showcase unique merchandise, sweet confections, and varietal honey and honey-based products from local honey farms. Niwot retail shops will also feature special pollinator-themed merchandise. Stop at participating stores to bid on festive gift baskets. Proceeds from this progressive silent auction will benefit the Niwot Business Association to support future events.

The festival also includes a BEE KIND component. Take a picture and post a kind message on the Instagram flower wall created by local florist Sarah Cioni of Belle Terre Floral at the Niwot Emporium on 2nd Avenue. Donate to Community Food Share at Niwot Market – grocery bags and lists provided. Participate in Pay It Forward Coffee at Winot Coffee and Old Oak Coffeehouse and receive a BEE KIND sticker.

Take the family on an enchanting Queen Bee Carriage ride, then buzz on over to Pinocchio's Incredible Italian between 2 and 4 p.m. for Bee Bingo. From noon to 5 p.m. sample mead from Boulder's Redstone Meadery at the Wheel House, then at 5 p.m. it's time to test your knowledge with Bee Trivia!

The event is sponsored by the Niwot Business Association and Niwot Local Improvement District. Be sure to save the date, and remember to register your stellar speller for the Spelling Bee at DRF Real Estate!