AUGUSTA, Maine — Beekeepers from all parts of Maine gathered over the weekend for an inaugural event in Augusta, where they shared ideas and innovations and brainstormed ways to attract future beekeepers. Bee Fest, hosted by the Maine Beekeepers Association, was designed to appeal to full-time beekeepers and hobbyists alike.
Not many people would turn their worst fears into a hobby, but Amy Nickerson isn't most people.
"I was terrified of bees—absolutely terrified," Nickerson said. "I took a class, and I was immediately hooked, and now I have zero fear of bees."
Once those fears were gone, Nickerson went on a mission to help others do the same.
"To be able to share that passion with other people and teach them and then see them flourish doing it, there's nothing better," Nickerson said.
Nickerson and her partner, Peter Cowin, now own and operate Beekeeping 24/7. Together they host online courses all over the country, teaching people how to keep their own bees happy and healthy.
"We know how to sort of simplify it," Cowin said. "If you follow these procedures the way we do it, you'll successfully keep your bees.
Nickerson and Cowin were among the many vendors at Bee Fest passing on lessons and skills they've learned and also raising awareness that you don't have to be a professional beekeeper to own bees.
"We were thinking the bees will really help out in the garden, and they have," event attendee Eric Bickford said. "We've got more vegetables this year than we ever have."
Bickford said he got his first hive in April and was at the festival to learn more about the craft. And he said the more he learns about the hive and the way it works, the more fascinated he becomes.
"It's incredible just how much information there is out there," Bickford said. "You learn what a great colony of workers they are, and everybody has a job, and it's just how many different types of jobs there are in there."
Whether you're just starting out like Bickford or just curious about what it takes, Nickerson said answering those questions is what she loves most about Bee Fest.
"You can see them start to take that interest, and if they take the next step, we're actually there to help them with that next step with classes and mentoring," Nickerson said.
Meanwhile, Nickerson is continuing her goal of showing people that they, too, can become beekeepers.