But bees are a vital partner in our food system, providing pollination for one third of the food we eat.
The Easton Farmers Market seeks to recognize this important role — and have some fun at the same time.
The June Bee Jamboree — featuring delicious honey, family-friendly activities and informational opportunities — will be held as part of the regular market, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, June 22. The event coincides with National Pollinator Week and puts honey on center stage.
Folks interested in learning more about beekeeping can visit the Beekeeping Info Tent to ask questions about getting started and sample different varieties in a honey tasting.
Kids can dress in their best bumblebee ensemble and be guests at the annual June Bee Jamboree Tea Party at 10:30 a.m. ($5 per child). Yippee Skippy Puppet Theatre will present a puppet show at 11 a.m. called “Thumbelina and the Honey Bees.” Storybook character Bruce the Bear will be on hand to hand out freebies for the market’s younger visitors.
Costumed guests — and pups — will be invited to march in a Bumblebee Parade at 11:30 a.m. around Centre Square.
Kids who signed up for the Power of Produce (POP Club) can participate in a taste test of honeys pollinated by different plants - from wildflowers to bamboo. (You can stop over at the table and register if you’re not signed up.)
You can also ask the market’s Blooms & Botanicals vendors — Backyard Growers, Peace Tree Farm, Pheasant Hill Farm and Holy Cow Farm — for suggestions on bee-friendly plants and flowers that you can add to your home to help improve Pennsylvania’s bee population.
Participants in the Easton Compost Program can also scoop up nutrient-rich compost at a giveaway from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. behind the Easton Public Market on Church Street. Just remember to bring a bucket. The Easton Community Gardens program will also be giving away bee-friendly plants at the compost distribution.
The Colony Meadery will be selling mead in the Local Libations Tent during the festival. Mud & Maker and Separatist Beer Project will be guest vendors. The market will also feature live music by The Billies from 10 a.m. to noon.