It started when a few ladies decided it was time to “liven up the city” with a weekend of arts and crafts, food, and a parade. In 1981, the Hahira Honey Bee Festival began, and it has been buzzing ever since.
The festival, which is held the first week of October, has expanded to six days of activities that now include a 5K run, a senior health walk, gospel and bluegrass performances, and much more.
“It was started by two women who wanted to host a festival and put life into Hahira, but now it is truly a community-wide event,” said Lana Hall, chairman of the Hahira Honey Bee Festival. “It is a fun weekend and a great time to spend with your family in the sunshine and fresh air.”
With approximately 150 floats, cars, and marching bands, the parade has become the main event at the Hahira Honey Bee Festival.
“The parade is growing into one of the largest in South Georgia, thanks in part to the Shriners who started showing up when the festival started, and they have been coming ever since,” said Hall, who has been a volunteer with the festival for 12 years. “The Exchange Club is there to pass out flags along the parade route. We have some classic cars and antique tractors that have been a part of the parade for many years. Also, our scouting groups have been in the parade for at least the last 14 years.”
This year’s festival theme is “Back the Blue” and will pay tribute to law enforcement personnel. Hahira Police Chief Terry Davis will serve as the parade grand marshal.
“We expect our floats to take on our theme in decorating,” Hall said. “We also plan to pass out Back the Blue signs along the parade route for kids to wave to and acknowledge our police.”
Lana Hall, Chairman of the Hahira Honey Bee Festival
New to this year’s festival is a fish fry sponsored by the Hahira Historical Society on Friday night.
“This will be the second year that we host a Brown Bag lunch to honor the teachers of the year from the Hahira elementary and middle schools,” Hall said. “This is becoming a special event. The teachers bring their students and the local restaurants offer lunches at a special $5 price.”
With approximately 30,000 visitors annually, Hall said she would like to see the festival continue to grow in the number of visitors and vendors.
“We want to get the message out around the state, especially for the honey industry that is growing throughout the state,” Hall said. “I would like to see it become more than a festival, a way to educate people on the importance of honey bees.”
The Honey Bee Festival is coordinated by the “Busy Bees,” a volunteer group of approximately 15 that meet throughout the year to plan the festival and fundraising activities
“We are self-sponsored and raise money through activities during the festival,” Hall said. “We give between $4,000 to $6,000 dollars each year to groups within the community.”
A community effort, Hall said more than 25 volunteers are needed to help with the weeklong festival.
“We couldn’t make it all happen without our mayor, city council, and the wonderful help of the city’s public works employees,” Hall said. “From those who approve the festival, to those who mow, clean, hang flags and banners, set our barricades and barrels on Main Street, and the many other infrastructure things that must be done. They are our unsung heroes.”
Hall also gives major credit to law enforcement that provides support at all the festival events.
This year’s Hahira Honey Bee Festival is scheduled for Oct. 2-7. For more information, visit the website at hahirahoneybeefestivalinc.com