What is BeeFest?
It is a weekend of all things beekeeping and other fun things.....
Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forums started in 2004 with just a handful of beekeepers discussing their views, methods, and advice about beekeeping. By 2009 we had over 2000 registered members and the idea of an in person get together was discussed. In April of 2009 the First Annual Southern Forum Gathering was held in Macon, Mississippi. Although the expectation was that it would just draw people within driving distance, we had people from the west coast and northeast fly in for the occasion. Over the years we have had people from as far away as Australia make the journey. It was such a success that the "Southern" was dropped from the title and the years after were known as Bud2, Bud3,..... in recognition of Bud Watt, the gentleman that hosted it on his homestead.
Bud has since sold his property and retired to the coast. Starting this year it will be at a new location in northern Florida, just 5 miles from the Georgia border.
Activities
This is not like any other beekeeping conference or convention I know of. There is no set agenda, schedule or presentations, just a lot of beekeeping talk, bee removals, fishing, and target shooting. It is a camping event and family friendly. There are hotels locally for those that are not the camping type.
Over the years we have had quite a few beekeepers that those active in the beekeeping community would recognize.
Bee Removal Specialist "JPthebeeman" of Youtube fame was one of the driving forces in getting these get togethers going and has attended most if not all up to this point. With the location change, I'm not sure if he will make this years festivities.
Sam Comfort of Anarchy Apiaries has shared his queen rearing expertise as well as his ukulele playing.
Legendary Beekeeper Michael Bush has been to quite a few of the get togethers and is confirmed for this year. If nothing else, but to spend 3 days just hanging with Michael is worth the trip.
Also confirmed is master trap-out expert Wally Swaim (iddee) and expert dowser Tom Sotiridy who will share how to use dowsing as part of your beekeeping practices.
Also many other well versed and expert beekeepers.
And it is FREE to attend!
For more details, please see the Official 2018 Beefest Post at Beemaster.com