Warialda Honey Festival

A buzz of excitement planned for this year’s Honey Festival.

The Warialda Honey Festival committee, despite their best efforts, have unfortunately not been able to hold an event the past three years, as organisers have battled wet weather and Covid-19. However, this has not deterred the event coordinators, as they are enthusiastically planning for this year’s Honey Festival, set to go ahead on the 17 September 2022.

Most locals would know that Warialda, is the Place of Wild Honey and the festival was developed to celebrate the towns meaning. The Honey Festival is an opportunity for the community to come together and pay tribute to the town by honouring anything bee or honey inspired.

One of the event coordinators, Courtney Loosemore, says it is important to the organisers to acknowledge the theme of the event which compliments the towns indigenous name meaning.

“We are hoping that we may be able to showcase enclosed beehives at the festival however the threat of the Varroa mite is knocking at our door, so we will of course abide by any restrictions set in place to protect the industry”.

“If bees are unable to be exhibited, there will still be plenty of activities on the day that will reflect what Warialda is renowned for”, said Miss Loosemore.

Bieber the Bee is set to make a comeback this year and several stalls will also be selling products made in the region.

The organising committee has also teamed up with the 2022 Bee Creative Challenge project organised by Shelly Way, Principal of Warialda High School. The aim of the initiative is to attract people to the town of Warialda by creating bee, insect, bird, honeycomb or bee-related type structures which can be displayed throughout the town as an added tourism attraction.

It is hoped the large structures will create a reason for people to stop and explore the streets of Warialda. Anyone is welcome to get involved and is encouraged to speak to Shelly. The finalists in the Bee Creative Challenge will have their works on display at the Honey Festival and the winners will also be announced that same day.

Event coordinator Courtney Loosemore also went onto say that there is something of interest for everyone that attends the festival.

“Event goers can expect to enjoy an afternoon of kids rides, vintage car displays, great entertainment, market stalls, a Gumboot Throwing Competition, and a screening of the Bee Movie”.

Paul Orvad and Dion Larkham form The Wize Guys band and they are set to entertain the crowd with their talented vocals and guitar skills for the duration of the festival.

A mechanical bull, obstacle course, double lane slide and jump for joy castle are sure to keep the kids entertained for hours on end. For just $15, an armband can be purchased on the day which will provide access for children to the rides all afternoon.

If you have Hulk like strength, why not try your luck in the Gumboot Throwing Competition. There will be some prizes up for grabs in each of the different age group categories.

Grab your kids, tell your mates and head on down to the Honey Festival at the Warialda Recreation Ground at 3pm on Saturday 17 September 2022.

Hope to see you there!   

 

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