GREENFIELD — The 16th annual Bee Fest is back this weekend, and organizers say this year’s festivities will be “bigger, buzzier and more joyful than ever.”
The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday. With free activities taking place at the Second Congregational Church lawn, the Greenfield Public Library and Energy Park, as well as at various downtown businesses, organizer and Greenfield Business Association Executive Director Hannah Rechtschaffen said there is something for everyone.
“Everything people have learned to love will still be there. We’re just expanding it so there’s more,” Rechtschaffen said. “It really is not to be missed; it’s a great time.”
This year, in addition to familiar favorites such as the Pollinator Parade, which will kick off at 11:30 a.m., and the “Bee Bazaar” market on Court Square, festivities will expand to Energy Park. There, visitors can enjoy a “Pollinator Picnic” with various food truck options, more vendors, and a free concert by award-winning children’s musician and author Mr. G.
Prior to taking the stage at Energy Park, Mr. G will be at the library at 9:30 a.m. for a reading of his book “Baby Ballena.”
Mr. G’s performance will be followed by the Twice As Smart chorus and Crankie Fest, which Rechtschaffen said Bee Fest is partnering with for the first time.
A crankie is a storytelling device that consists of a scroll inside a box, where a puppeteer “cranks” the scroll and reveals the story as the performance goes on. The festival will showcase 10 crankies from local and touring artists.
Bee Fest founder Sandy Thomas said the key to keeping the event going and growing over the past 16 years has been adding new elements to the festival. Whether it be a new activity or a new partner, having new offerings helps keep the event fresh and exciting.
She said that the first Bee Fest in 2010 saw approximately 50 children attend; last year, almost 1,600 people showed up. Thomas believes there will be even more attendees this year due to the Greenfield Business Association’s efforts to expand the event’s size and hours, and that Bee Fest will continue to grow over time.
“It’s been amazing to watch the evolution,” said Thomas, who is stepping down from helping with organizing Bee Fest after this year’s event. “It expanded exponentially and it’s a wonderful thing.”
Although she said it “is time” for her to step down, Thomas believes community partners will step up to continue the tradition.
“It’s just an honor to have been involved all of these years,” Thomas said.
Thomas organized the first Bee Fest after learning that the Rev. Lorenzo Langstroth, the sixth minister of the Second Congregational Church on Court Square, is regarded as the father of modern beekeeping.
“I would teach Sunday School and we just didn’t know about him. I spoke with some beekeepers who asked, ‘Why aren’t you making a big deal about this? He is the father of modern beekeeping,'” Thomas said. “He was brilliant, this man.”
Langstroth invented and patented the movable frame beehive in 1852. The frame is still used worldwide today. Bee Fest aims to teach people about the importance of pollinators, while encouraging fun through games, crafts and community togetherness.
“I love Bee Fest. I’m a little obsessed because I love the connection to Greenfield history,” Rechtschaffen said. “We learn best when we’re having fun. … There’s so many things going on, you can choose your own adventure.”
In a statement, Greenfield Mayor Ginny Desorgher thanked Thomas for her years of effort, and said the growth of the festival highlights not only her dedication, but Greenfield residents’ commitment to supporting the environment.
“Bee Fest reflects what’s best about Greenfield: people who care about each other and their environment coming together to celebrate our heritage in a way that benefits our community socially and economically,” Desorgher said. “Sandy Thomas’ leadership is reflected in the event’s sustained growth over the past 16 years. We’re so grateful for Sandy’s work. Here’s to many more years of Bee Fest buzz.”
Other activities include a “bee-ingo scavenger hunt,” a plein air painting party, a Spring Festival & Seedling at Just Roots community farm and a screening of “Paddington” at the Garden Cinemas. For more information and a complete list of events, visit greenfieldbeefest.org.
