Speaking on the global importance of the honeybee recently, U.S. Congressman Earl Blumenauer of Oregon stated, “From flowers to chocolate, berries to tequila, pollinators are integral to the planet, economy and many aspects of our lives. In fact, the USDA estimates that about one in every three bites of food is either directly or indirectly made possible because of bee pollination. Both our environment and food supply are inextricably tied to the welfare of bees, making the current decrease in bee population a cause for great alarm. Changes in climate and ecosystems are at least partly responsible for the increase in colony collapses,” he continues, though humans may be playing “a more direct role in die-offs” with certain types of pesticides.
With millions of bees dying worldwide (50,000 million recently in Oregon alone), Blumenauer and fellow Congressman John Conyers recently introduced H.R. 2692, “The Save America’s Pollinators Act,” to suspend uses of certain pesticides until the Environmental Protection Agency reviews them and determines their proper application and safe use, he said. “We must act now.”
The Lithopolis Honeyfest is equally concerned about bee welfare. It aims to raise bee consciousness — and have fun doing so. Ginger Brenning, the event’s chair since its inception in 2007, says the festival is held every year to educate the public “about the importance of the honey bee on crop pollination, the health benefits of honey and bee hive products, and about the science and industry of beekeeping.” It is totally nonprofit: “100 percent of funds raised goes toward operation and promotion.”
What to expect at Lithopolis Honeyfest?
Ohio beekeepers will be there selling many different varieties of honey, said Brenning, “not just clover (the most common) but goldenrod, thistle, buckwheat, black locust and more.” There will also be honeys infused with many different flavors, such as sage, lemon, ginger, garlic, rose petal and even coffee. Beekeepers sell edible products of the honey bee hive, such as royal jelly. Also, molded beeswax candles, handcrafted soaps, personal care products and health supplements. These vendors also offer fascinating stories about their experiences and knowledge.
A Honey Bake-Off is staged, where $350 in cash prizes are awarded, she said. The Bake-Off is open to all; there is no entry fee. Registration is Friday 1-7 p.m. “The Busy Beehive Kids Booth is a hopping place for fun crafts and games.”
We will have close to 50 artists and craftspeople working in a variety of media. There are two stages of live music where a variety of styles of local and regional musicians will perform throughout the two days. “Some guests and their pets come dressed up in honey-bee themes,” she added.
But the favorite attraction seems to be Bee Beard. “Ten thousand honey bees swarming around someone’s unprotected face is unbelievable to see,” she said. “You will not want to miss the American Honey Princess who will wear a bee beard on Friday and Saturday.”
September is national Honey Month and “The Lithopolis Honeyfest is the only honey festival in Ohio,” Brenning said. It was started in 2007, with attendance reaching about 10,000 last year. “We had to expand to two days in 2013 due to popular demand.”
Besides all the food and fun events, said Brenning, there will be professional beekeepers and representatives from four beekeeping associations: Ohio State Beekeepers, Central Ohio Beekeepers, East Central Ohio Beekeepers, Scioto Valley Beekeepers, as well as the American Honey Princess who is the industry spokesperson for the American Beekeeping Federation. These folks are all there specifically to educate the public on all things bee.
Anyone interested in honey, bees, beekeeping, and the current, issue of dying bee populations, probable causes and how to help, is encouraged to come to Honeyfest, said Brenning. “It is as authentic as it gets.”
The Lithopolis Honeyfest is located at 11820 Lithopolis Road NW, Lithopolis, Ohio. The festival is open Friday, 1- 7 p.m., and Saturday, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. For more information on the festival, event times, vendors, honeybee education, etc., call (614) 837-2031, email ohiohoneyfest@gmail.com, visit http://www.lithopolishoneyfest.com or facebook.
While visitors are in the area, Brenning suggests, "another must-see" is The Wagnalls Memorial Foundation & Library at 150 E. Columbus St. "It is a town treasure — a gorgeous example of architecture and rich in Ohio and American history. Portions of the structure were built with freestone from the Lithopolis quarry (which is how we got our name — "Lithopolis" in Greek means 'City of Stone')." For more information visit www.wagnalls.org or call (614) 837-4765.
Another downtown treasure is Law & Benson Olde Country Store, at 34 E. Columbus St. It has been family-owned and operated since 1926. It's a rich place to visit and stills sells penny candy. For information visit their website at www.lawandbenson.com or call (614) 837-4705.
"Lithopolis sits at one of the highest points in Fairfield County," Brenning said. "We can see the City of Columbus skyline from here (25 miles away). A few miles down Lithopolis Road is the restored Rock Mill & Covered Bridge. For details visit http://www.visitfairfieldcounty.org/rock-mill.php or call (740) 654-5929.
Overnight visitors can stay at the newly renovated Best Western Plus in nearby Canal Winchester, http://bestwesternohio.com/canal-winchester-hotel, (614) 834-4790. Or if you're in for a real adventure — check out Ohio Log House Bed & Breakfast, also in Canal Winchester. Owners, Virginia and Jim Casto will tell "the unforgettable story of how their structures were moved to their site," Brenning said. The B & B and its surrounding land are historic treasures and family labors of love. Visit http://www.loghouseandbb.com or call (614) 837-2341.
Lithopolis is also very near the quaint towns of Groveport, www.groveport.org, and Canal Winchester, www.canalwinchesterohio.gov, all rich in history, nature and small-town charm. For more travel information on Lithopolis, Groveport and Canal Winchester, all in Fairfield County, visit http://www.visitfairfieldcounty.org.
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