Bee kind, Bee aware, Bee festive this weekend

A sweet Saturday is on tap as the Honey Bee Harvest Festival brings swarms of family-friendly activities, goodies and know-how to Niwot. The second-annual event expands on last year's festivities with a full schedule from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. downtown and in Cottonwood Square.

"Seems like there are so many topics to share," co-organizer Victoria Keen said. "The more I learned, the more I was amazed."

The fascinating story of bees will be shared through a speaker series at the Left Hand Grange. Topics include the magic of swarms, using bee fences to reduce conflict between humans and elephants in Africa, designing pollinator-friendly gardens, and the showing of "Sister Bee," a half-hour documentary by local filmmaker and beekeeper Laura Tyler.

"People get connected with beekeeping and it can feel life changing," Tyler said. "There is something about getting involved with this species that is enchanting. They are charming, charming animals. Keeping bees invites reflection and interconnection of all living things."

The film features several female beekeepers, including Niwot's Ruth Eastman. Tyler got into beekeeping herself and wanted to express the wonder it brought into her life. "Beekeeping cracked my heart open in a beautiful way. It's just a joy to be able to share some of that," Tyler said of the film that will show at noon at the Left Hand Grange.

Tyler's first beekeeping teacher was Niwot's Tom Theobald. The Honey Bee Festival speaker series is now named for the longtime Niwot resident who spoke at the inaugural event last year before he passed away last November. Their friendship led to a podcast that was recorded last summer. The 39 episodes have bees at the center but venture beyond the hive to explore the nectar of human life.

"Beekeeping culture is really oral history. It's almost like a way to live," Tyler said. Their conversations can be found on all the major podcast outlets and online at Notesfromthebeeyard.buzz

Along with learning about bees, there will be lots of ways to celebrate bees. Bee-centric activities for families include crafts, storytime, face painting, bingo, a costume contest for people and pets, and a kid's concert by Jenn Cleary.

Adults can enjoy mead-tasting and mead-making demonstrations. Honey-infused foods, bee products and unique merchandise will be available along with a do-it-yourself opportunity to make beeswax candles. The candles were a big hit last year and will be featured in the Niwot Emporium in the morning.

The Butterfly Pavilion, Jack's Solar Garden and Colorado Master Gardener program will be on hand to share their appreciation and knowledge of pollinators. BEE KIND donation jars will be around to support nonprofits working on behalf of pollinators.

At the end of the day, festival-goers can show off what they've learned in a bee trivia contest at the Wheel House.

A schedule of events can bee found at Niwot.com.