CALGARY – They’re used to getting their honey from the supermarket, but this week, young Calgarians can get a taste right from the source.
Local beekeepers are serving up samples at “Aggie Days”, the annual event at Stampede Park that gives city kids a feel for life on the farm.
The beekeepers have brought along a hive, containing a colony of about 15,000 bees.
They may be a great deal smaller than the cows and horses at the event, but the bees have the kids buzzing with excitement.
“When bees sting, is it true they die?” one boy asked.
“That’s right, honey bees, when they sting, they die,” beekeeper Jim Rogers responded. “And they only sting when they’re trying to defend the hive. If you don’t bother them, they don’t bother you.”
Along with the hive, visitors can also check out protective beekeeping suits and products made from beeswax, like candles.
“Aggie Days” continues with school field trips Thursday and Friday and free admission for everyone on Saturday and Sunday.
The event also gives Rogers a chance to have some fun with a bit of “hive humour”, sharing this joke with the kids: “What did the bee say when he came home to the hive?”
“Honey, I’m home.”