There will be a buzz at the Clanton Conference and Performing Arts Center on Saturday.

For the first time in 20 years, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System’s Annual Beekeeping Symposium will be held there instead of its usual home, in Auburn.

The symposium will last from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday at CPAC, located at 1850 Lay Dam Road in Clanton.

“The symposium will feature a variety of knowledgeable speakers as well as valuable demonstrations for beekeepers,” said James Tew, a beekeeping specialist with Alabama Extension.

Dr. Greg Hunt, professor, Department of Entomology, Purdue University, will present discussions on “Bees that Bite Mites” and “Producing Quality Queens in a Cool Climate;” Dr. Larry Connor, Wicwas Press, will discuss “Making and Maintaining Nucleus Colonies” and “The Sustainable Apiary;” Roy Smith, Welch Honey judge, will present a review on producing and processing different honey varieties; Dr. John Hurst will talk about bee sting reactions and treatments; and Alabama Extension Beekeeping Specialist Jim Tew will present a discussion on “Are the Biggest Colonies Always the Best Colonies?”

Practical information for beginning beekeepers will be presented by members of the Alabama Beekeepers Association.

Specifically, Lonnie Funderburg, will present a discussion on the “Life Cycle of the Honey Bee”; Bill Evans will discuss proper techniques for inspecting and evaluating the typical hive of bees; Rosalyn Horton will talk about how to buy bees and equipment; Will Montgomery will explain the “Cell Punch Method of Queen Production”; and Richard Knighton will discuss “Overcoming Obstacles With your First Hive.”

All of these instructors are Master Beekeepers.

Evans, who is president of the Chilton County Beekeepers Association, said his presentation will inform beekeepers about how to look for existing and potential problems in their hives, and how to address those problems.

“The idea is to get out ahead of it,” Evans said.

Although honey is the best known product from the bee hive, Elizabeth Whitaker will address other hive products. Sherry Ferrell will also conduct a “Cooking with Honey” workshop.

Registration at the door is from 8 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. and comes with a $35 fee.

For more information, visit www.onetewbee.com and www.alabamabeekeepers.com to view all registration material.

Vendors will also be present at the symposium.

–Managing Editor Stephen Dawkins contributed to this report.