AUBURN, Maine — On Sunday, Augusta was full of bees for the first Maine Bee Fest.
Beekeepers from all over the state got together at Viles Arboretum to work on their business and hobby.
The first event was put on by the Maine State Beekeepers Association.
The day’s events were mostly about showing both new and experienced beekeepers how to take care of their colonies.
“They have an opportunity to learn the most basic things, like beekeeping 101, to more advanced techniques of managing your equipment, or managing your hives throughout the season,” Valerie Cole, a beekeeping hobbyist, said.
CEO of the MSBA, Beth Goodwin, says the festival helps beekeepers get ready for winter, which is usually the worst time for artificial bees.
“We have a couple hundred people here today looking at hives, listening to speakers, watching demonstrations, all under the umbrella of winter prep,” he said.
There were lessons on how to get your hive ready for winter and how to bring it back to life after the season is over.
Aside from the chances to learn, people could stop by the vendor tents to buy honey or goods made from beeswax from the beekeepers who were there.
Beekeepers who came said they were glad to see people still interested in what they say is an important part of the ecosystem.
“One out of every three bites of food that you take is thanks to a pollinator,” he said. “It might seem like it’s a small industry, but it really touches everybody who eats.”