Bee Festival

Laurel Ridge Barn, South Dakota, USA

The recent Bee Festival at Laurel Ridge Barn Event Venue, sponsored by Liberty Homestead, was a buzzing success. As a first-time attendee at this stunning venue, I was blown away by its beauty and versatility. With its spacious layout, both indoor and outdoor areas for live music, and a well-equipped bar and serving area, this venue is perfect for a wide range of events, including weddings, art exhibitions, and more.

One of the highlights of the festival was the wonderful live music performance by Landon Weis. His repertoire included some fantastic Beatles covers that had everyone tapping their feet and singing along.

Additionally, there was an outdoor campus sponsored table filled with engaging activities for kids, and a painting session with the talented artist, Carol. My daughter had a fantastic time painting with Carol and it was a memorable experience for her.

The festival also featured a variety of vendors who added to the atmosphere. Boernsen Bees showcased their amazing creamed honey, while Spring Creek Family Farms displayed their beautiful flowers. The Glory Garden year-round Farmers Market set up a booth to educate people about the vendors and local products they support. It was a great opportunity to learn more about the importance of supporting local agriculture and businesses.

The event also had an impressive lineup of speakers who shared their knowledge and expertise with the attendees. Bob Reiners from the S.D. Department of Agriculture kicked off the day with a Beekeeping Update, providing valuable insights into the latest developments in the field. Alina Krone-Hedman from Minnehaha Conservation gave a talk titled "Pollinators, Nature Plants & Agriculture: A Team Effort," highlighting the importance of collaboration in protecting our pollinators.

Marlene Boernsen from Boernsen Bees entertained the crowd with her presentation on "Honey Heroes - Fun facts about bees," sharing intriguing facts about these incredible creatures. Tyler and Bentley Childress, a father-son duo, spoke about their journey of learning the basics of beekeeping together as a family, inspiring others to do the same. Laura Kalfs and Tresa Tingle from Landscape Garden Center discussed the importance of choosing plant material that supports bees and other pollinators, inspiring attendees to make informed choices in their own gardens.

The festival also provided an opportunity for art enthusiasts to view a gallery featuring Plein Air Paintings by Steve Randall. His artwork added a touch of beauty and creativity to the event, showcasing the talent of local artists.

Overall, the Bee Festival at Laurel Ridge Barn Event Venue was a delightful and educational experience. From the captivating live music to the engaging activities for kids and the informative speakers, there was something for everyone to enjoy. I highly recommend this venue for any event, as its beauty and amenities make it the perfect setting for a memorable gathering.