At the same time crowds gathered on Saturday, October 8 to demonstrate respect for the endangered honey bee at the second annual Honeybee Fest, the America in Bloom annual awards ceremony and symposium took place in Arroyo Grande, CA.
The goal in Narrowsburg was to heighten awareness of the serious problem honeybees are facing and sample the many ways to enjoy the sweetness of their labor: honey. Mix into these goals a challenge to become listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as having the most people dressed as bees gathered in one place, and you have the recipe for a day of fun for all attendees. 

Although we didn’t break any world records, we did make an impressive showing of over 1,500 bees buzzing around Narrowsburg. Bees of all ages appeared in the Honeybee Parade and all around town. We are thankful to the Wallenpaupack High School Marching Band for providing a band of bees playing the appropriate song, “Stayin’ Alive,” by the Bee Gees, as they marched down Main Street. At the conclusion of the parade, all bees gathered at The Narrowsburg Union to be counted. Our “hive” certainly was abuzz with smiling bees.
On the other side of the continent, in California, we patiently awaited results of our America in Bloom competition. We were recognized for our “Heritage Preservation,” specifically mentioning our 2.5-mile walking trail beginning at the boat launch and circling around the Flats, and the restoration of The Narrowsburg Union. We were honored to be nominated in two categories: the “ Coolest Downtown” and community “Overall Impression.” In these two areas, we ranked in the top three out of all the 39 communities that competed throughout the U.S., so we certainly can boast, even though we didn’t come home with the prize. 

As part of participation in the America in Bloom program, judges provide an extensive report that can serve as a roadmap for future beautification projects, a way to continue to be Narrowsburg “busy bees.”