Things will be buzzing at the Runge Nature Center next Saturday when the Missouri State Beekeepers Association hosts an expo to educate youngsters about the importance of honeybees. The expo has been extremely popular with parents and children in several states, so we re excited to host it in Missouri, said Vera Gelder, Columbia, co-chair of the Kids and Bees Expo. The honeybee is one of our most misunderstood insects, and often causes fear and panic in people. This exhibition will bring bee experts and children together in a fun and safe learning environment. More than 200 children from across the state are expected to attend the expo, which will offer hands-on exhibits showing honeybee biology, pollination, tools and equipment used in the beekeeping industry and products of the beehive, such as beeswax.
Kids can also taste various types of honey and make foods that contain honey.
Each area will be staffed by an experienced beekeeper to assist visitors and answer questions. The Kids and Bees Expo was developed for the American Beekeeping Federation and has been presented at its annual convention since 1996.