GREENFIELD — The Greenfield Bee Fest Committee has announced that what would have been the 11th annual Bee Fest, originally scheduled for May 23, has been canceled as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This was the right call, hard as it was,” said Sandy Thomas, co-chair of the popular event. “It wasn’t the decision we wanted to make, but it was obvious. We have built a robust community collaboration over the years, providing important education about pollinator health and generating widespread appreciation for our honeybees. And we were all looking forward to one of the best festivals ever.”
Thomas said organizers explored different options, like having some virtual events, but decided participating in the event is what brings people such joy.
The local festival was launched in 2010 as a small gathering focused on children’s activities. It has been held on the front lawn of Second Congregational Church throughout the years.
The first year marked what would have been the 200th birthday of Lorenzo Langstroth, known as the “father of modern beekeeping” because he invented the Langstroth Hive. He also served as the sixth pastor of the church in the mid-1800s, Thomas said.
The festival has since grown to become a community-wide endeavor with arts groups, beekeepers, restaurants, the Greenfield Farmers Market, musicians, The Greenfield Gallery, Hawks & Reed Performing Arts Center and others offering a variety of bee-centric activities.
“While the 2020 Greenfield Bee Fest has been canceled, the work of our committee continues,” Thomas said. “Next spring, attendees can look forward to the unveiling of six large fiberglass bees, hand-painted by local professional artists, which will be permanently installed in downtown Greenfield. We’ve done a lot of the planning, but we still have some to do. Next year will be bigger and better.”
Thomas said the six large fiberglass bees are in storage, as are a lot of the other items that make the festival so much fun, like prizes, giveaways and raffle baskets. Organizers have already collected about $2,500 worth of donated goods.
“The bees were designed and created by sculptor Rachael Katz, owner of The Greenfield Gallery, to further deepen and celebrate Greenfield’s rich connections to the history of beekeeping,” Thomas explained. “Also in the works are a new exhibit by local artists from Exploded View, a musician-led parade past the unveiled sculptures, live bee demonstrations and an annual garden award, children’s activities, food and more.”
Thomas said as always, those items will be raffled and the proceeds will pay any of the festival’s costs. She said after those costs are covered, Bee Fest will donate to area nonprofits like Just Roots farm and the Food Bank of Western Massachusetts.
“The Greenfield Bee Fest Committee is grateful for the spirit and resolve of area bee-inspired residents and businesses who are committed to carrying the torch forward to spring 2021,” she said. “In the meantime, we wish good health to our community as spring comes into bloom.”
Reach Anita Fritz at 413-772-9591 or afritz@recorder.com.