Beekeeping
The Beekeeping & Honey Show at Topsfield Fair is the largest at any fair in North America. The first honey exhibits were entered in 1844. The show has been operated and sponsored by the Essex County Beekeepers Association since 1928. In 1998 the International Association of Fairs and Expositions awarded it "First Place" for the excellence of its presentation.
There are up to four live observation hives on display during the Fair. Knowledgeable beekeepers will explain the inner workings of a bee colony to fairgoers. Children can make their own honeycomb beeswax candle to take home as a souvenir of their visit to the Beekeeping Building.
At the 2007 Fair there were more than 250 entries into four divisions at the show including: honey, beeswax, beekeeping related arts & crafts and cooking with honey. The competition is open to all.
Essex County Beekeepers' Association
Learn more about beekeeping from Essex County Beekeepers' Association website
Related Exhibitor Handbook Downloads 2011 (.pdf)
2011 American Honey Queen
Teresa Bryson is the daughter of Tom and Linda Bryson of Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. She is a junior at Hagerstown Community College, double majoring in English and Forensic Science. She is also a member of the National Honor Society and has been on the Dean's List the last two years. A 4-H member for 10 years, she serves as a leader for two clubs. Teresa has been keeping bees for three years, and manages five hives in her family's apiary. In her free time, she enjoys reading, sewing, and caring for the many animals on her family's small farm.
Mary Stanton - Honey Ambassador 2011-2012
Mary Stanton lives in Billerica, MA. She has been married to her husband Rob for the last 22 years. They are the parents of four young adults. Mary has kept bees for the last 2 years and has recently become active in the Essex County Beekeepers Association. She is also a medical receptionist at a pediatric office in her home town. She belongs to the Order of Eastern Star, Acacia Chapter, in Tewksbury and is a member of St. Theresa's Parish in Billerica. She teaches confirmation prep to ninth and tenth graders. Mary was crowned as this year's Essex County Honey Ambassador in April at the annual banquet.
