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 Sections 2012
2012 American Honey Princess
Danielle Dale is the 20-year-old daughter of Rich and Lorie Dale of Sparta, Wisconsin. She is a sophomore at Western Technical College where she is pursuing an associate's degree. Danielle plans to seek a bachelor's degree in communications or marketing. She is a third generation beekeeper, beginning her hobby at 12 years old. In her free time, Danielle enjoys playing guitar, participating in her church youth group, hunting, cooking, traveling and watching football.
2012 Essex County Honey Ambassador
Christine Cordima is a graduating senior currently attending North Andover High School. She plans on attending college in the fall after graduation. Christine has been involved with beekeeping since she was 12 years old and often helped her parents with their hives during the year. Christine loves animals, horseback riding, dance, and music.
