Honeybee Festival a big success

LaFayette’s inaugural Honeybee Festival proved to be a huge success as massive numbers of residents and visitors flocked to the downtown area for a day of live music, crafts, vendors and fun. Officials estimate more than 10,000 people turned out for the event.

Something could be found to entertain everyone at the free event that many considered being the biggest outdoor turnout for the city since the Johnny Cash performance in August 1970.

Local musicians such as The ExLaws, Lon Eldridge, Al Smith, Back Road Band, Small Town Rumor, Common Ground, Channing Wilson and Robby Hopkins took to two stages on the north and south ends of the festival.

The Sons of Sailors and Steppin Stones took to the main stage for great performances.

Country music star and Honeybee Festival headliner Craig Morgan performed in front of one of the largest crowds downtown LaFayette has ever seen.

Morgan performed his hits and was welcomed into the city with open arms.

A baking and barbecue competition gave festival-goers plenty to devour as well as the numerous other vendors who brought out some delicious festive treats to feast upon.

More than 115 vendors took part in the festival that varied from crafts, jewelry, Honeybee themed shirts and attire, personalized belts and toys for the kids.

The Kids Zone had inflatable’s for kids as well as face painting and other kid-friendly games.

Honeybee experts set up educational booths to educate the public on the various themes regarding the importance to the honeybee in nature as well as eco-friendly gardening tips and

education on the numerous resources found in forests.

The city of LaFayette plans to make the Honeybee Festival an annual free event for all residents and visitors to the city and if this past Saturday proves anything, the Honeybee Festival is here to stay.

Above left: Musicians offered great performances, but the stars of the day were honeybees as experts educated patrons on their importance. Above right: Hundreds of festival-goers poured into the downtown area for the premier edition of the Honeybee...

Country musician Craig Morgan, this year’s Honeybee Festival headliner, and his band took to the stage about 9:30 p.m. to perform in front of the what many believe was the largest outdoor crowd in LaFayette since the August 1970 Johnny Cash concert....