A huge Thank YOU!!!

Livefreeordie · July 31, 2010, 11:36:22 PM

To Mike at Bjorn Apiaries and Shawn from Oxbow Apiaries for hosting the 7th annual picnic today. I was totally blown away. First class all the way. Huge crowd, tons of food and fun, and so much useful information that my brain is on overload. I can't believe how friendly and helpful everyone was, and made many new friends. We took a lot of pictures and I will get some up as soon as I download from the camera.
Being a real newbee, I didn't know what to expect, I thought maybe 20-30 people and probably the cold shoulder because of our ignorance. I couldn't have been more wrong, well over 100 people and everyone I talked to was more than willing to answer this wannabee's questions and couldn't have been nicer.
I don't know how anyone could have attended and not wanted to become a beekeeper. They have a winning formula for educating us new to the fold, and Mike and Shawn are top notch, what a great guys.
Anyone within driving distance would be well served to attend next years picnic, I guarantee it will be worth your while, and you will come away as excited as I am.

beemaster · July 31, 2010, 11:57:03 PM

I'm still awaiting a personal invite - frankly I'd love to go, but the offer was never there. That's about 3 hour drive, I just want to know if I'm welcome :'(

VolunteerK9 · August 01, 2010, 09:04:22 AM

Did ya happen to see a SC hive worth about $500 while ya were there? :imsorry:

wa ha ha ha ha ha

Livefreeordie · August 01, 2010, 09:10:59 AM

Quote from: beemaster on July 31, 2010, 11:57:03 PM
I'm still awaiting a personal invite - frankly I'd love to go, but the offer was never there. That's about 3 hour drive, I just want to know if I'm welcome :'(

John,
I wrote to Mike asking and he said then, and reiterated yesterday that this picnic is an open invitation to EVERYONE. There were folks from all over PA and some from Maryland. I think everyone would be more than happy to see you there. There is talk of it getting bigger next year with camping available for those who want to come Friday night. We had a fantastic time.

Livefreeordie · August 01, 2010, 09:15:54 AM

Quote from: VolunteerK9 on August 01, 2010, 09:04:22 AM
Did ya happen to see a SC hive worth about $500 while ya were there? :imsorry:

wa ha ha ha ha ha

LOL, I think it would be hard to tell, Mike took us over to the bee yard and did a talk that was very enlightening, there were so many hives there and the talk was right in amongst the hives, with some being used as seats with the bees flying all around peoples legs. I know my better half was astounded that no one got stung, and I believe she is 100% less concerned now. What a great experience.

Livefreeordie · August 01, 2010, 10:17:28 AM

OK, I am going to attempt to put a few photos up from the picnic.

This is early as people were just beginning to arrive, and the host was getting relieved from flipping burgers to start greeting everyone.

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

People starting to mingle as more arrive.

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

Mike introducing the newly formed Pennsylvania Backyard Beekeepers Association. I believe with the signups yesterday they are over 100 members now. We signed up for a family membership, the board has come up with a winning formula to bring more folks into beekeeping and spread knowledge to the general public, Beekeeping's future in PA looks very bright.

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

People starting to chow down. I forgot to mention, a big thank you goes out to the gentleman who cooked the chicken, it was the BEST barbecued chicken I have ever had anywhere.

Uploaded with ImageShack.us
Uploaded with ImageShack.us

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

People signing up for membership in the newly formed PBBA, Pennsylvania Backyard Beekeepers Association.

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

Mike giving talk and demonstration in the bee yard.

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

People lining up for the water balloon toss, what a riot, lots of fun!

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

The better half, and my partner in the balloon toss, I think we made it to the quarterfinals before an errant throw and missed catch put us on the side lines. What a blast!

Uploaded with ImageShack.us

BjornBee · August 01, 2010, 01:17:28 PM

Livefree,
Thank you for the kind words. Although everything seems a blurr to me as I get busy and don't really see all the happenings, I know it went well by the many comments.

The unofficial count is 147. But it seems many families had just one person sign in, or thought because they did not want any door prizes that they should not sign in. So we will pour through the photos and memories to add those missing off the list.

Although I came away from the day with one less eyebrow and a much smaller mustache, we did not lose anyone. We raised 179 dollars for the "Youth in Beekeeping" program, signed up 41 members to the new Pennsylvania Backyard Beekeepers Association, bringing the total membership to 114. Not bad for this being the kickoff event promoting the new association.

And I can not even describe the food. Unbelievable! And I'm not sure how many bottles of Mead were drank.

For anyone who attended, I want to say thank you. Everyone contributed and made the day that much nicer for others.

Till next year...... :cheer: