Bee Bash draws honey enthusiasts

The 2026 Bee Bash 4.0 took place at the Hofmann Apiaries located just east of Janesville on Saturday, Aug. 1. The event was complete with music, food vendors, honey vendors, bees, tours and much more.

 

A group of teenagers who resembled guards at the two front drives to the Hofmann place were actually Law Enforcement Explorers, or in other words junior officers from the area, taking part in training in anticipation of the day they are old enough to become officers. Justine Fitzpatrick, Cara Darling, Emeria Kopischke, Kayden Sack and Noah Meeker, said Kopischke, “We are training to become officers; this is a volunteer gig. I don’t know about the other guys, but I just wanted to help out.” The group looked the part, dressed in uniforms and wearing neon orange vests. Since the parking was down the road a ways, causing some guests to have to walk a block or more to get to the apiaries, Kopischke was directing some of the less mobile visitors to closer parking spots and providing assistance where needed.   

 

Buildings and work areas on the grounds were open for tours, the Wax Shed had equipment and moving equipment for bee boxes. There was a wax melter inside and other bee related items. A “Bee Cellar” was a room built into the ground to house and protect bees during the winter.

 

On display in the Honey House, where most of the honey extraction took place, were warmers, cleaning equipment, space to store honey, large pots to warm the honey and lots of room for storage. Around the grounds were beautiful gardens that helped to accentuate the flowers that helped to feed the bees, while also providing fruits and vegetables for the farmers.  The owners of the farm also were kind enough to mow a walking path through the prairie nearby, giving all visitors the opportunity to see the many local flowers and fauna from the area.

 

Sun Honey LLC, owned by Jason Casey of New Richland, was one of the vendors. Also offering wares was Strand Honey, which has been in business since 1936. Edenvale Nursery was there, as was the University of Minnesota. Another type of product was offered by professional seamstress Granny Gin, who sells hand-sewn aprons and purses. Oak and Rye Farm, and the Soil and Water Conservation District out of Waseca also had displays.

 

The surprise guest for the day was spelling bee champion Ava Place. Children who thought they were smart enough were told to spell 20 different words, going against Ava for prizes. All 20 of the words were bee themed and the child with the best score by the end of the day would receive a plaque with his or her name on it. Live music by City Mouse band members Billy Steiner, Dave Pengra and Ron Arsenault serenaded the crowd.