Bug Fest 2007

[Electric Herb]

The theme of Bug Fest 2007 at Tualatin Hills Nature Park was the honey bee and our display was a big hit. Jerry, Paul and I had a great time with all the kids (and their parents). The honey was sampled at a great rate and we went though 800 round toothpicks in the process. Each of us looks forward to next year as it was very gratifying to talk with the kids, answer all the questions and tell them why the honeys tasted different (Paul's from Aloha, Drew's from Newburg and Herb's from Hillsboro).

We had the observation hive, complete hive, honey, cut comb, chunk honey, wax, bee suit, veil, gloves and hive tool along with a branch of blackberries (that one little guy decided to eat!). Many of the parents were disappointed that we did not have honey to sell.

We learned a few things that will make the display better for next year. Thanks to Drew for the observation hive and for marking the queen. Made our job much easier.

[sistone]

Wonderful pictures, looks like everyone had a great time. ;D

[Sowers]

WOW!!!!!

Great job

Great Pictures

Great deal of work.

[Paul Andersen]

Herb did a great job taking pictures, but he also did a great job helping the kids taste the honey and telling everyone how honey can taste quite differently depending on the source of the nectar.
Most of the people were not aware of the difference in taste and were surprised after they tried it.


I feel bad that I didn't take the time to get a couple of pictures of Herb !!

[drew]

Thank you guys for covering for me so I could go down south. ;D

[Electric Herb]

It was a blast, Drew. We all look forward to next year. Lisa said she would love to have the TVBA guys back again and I told her you would be the person to call. Hope your trip went well.

[Todd Balsiger]

It is nice to see the observation hive being used. Paul, Jerry, and Herb -- you've done us well.

Evidently, no one has had any problems using the observation hive. In the past, when frames had been left in the observation hive (with bees) for a long time, it had become difficult to remove them. To make it easier, I'd put two screws into the top bar of the top frame. Then you had something to grab and pull to remove that top brood frame. If I recall, after you removed the top frame, then you can more easily remove one plane of glass to remove the lower brood frame.
I never did break one of the glass windows, but I know others who have -- Tory Johnson for one.

[Todd Balsiger]

Hey, those bug fest t-shirts are awesome. The OSBA should copy that design and sale them at the conference.