The Bee, Butterfly & Bat Faire.
Photo courtesy of Beautify Cambria Association.
By Connie Pendleton
The 9th Annual Bee, Butterfly & Bat Faire, sponsored by the Beautify Cambria Association, is slated for Sunday, May 4, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Cambria Historical Museum Garden at 2251 Center Street. Adding an extra bit of fun, the organization is also celebrating Star Wars Day, which is recognized annually on the fourth by fans of the movie franchise.
Presentations by experts feature topics such as beekeeping, gardening for bees and butterflies, threats to pollinators and bat habitats. Speakers include naturalist Marylou Gooden from the Central Coast Parks Association, expert beekeeper Melissa Cronshaw from Santa Barbara, and Managing Zookeeper Crystal Crimbchin from the Charles Paddock Zoo in Atascadero.
The family-friendly event includes viewing of a live bat and bees, stunning photography exhibit, crafts workshops, live music by the Curti Creek Band and a silent auction. Vendors will sell arts and crafts, pollinator-friendly plants and mushroom compost. Face painting and Star Wars activities are planned, including a scavenger hunt. An expert will have special telescopes set up with filters for safely viewing the sun. Representatives from the Central Coast Beekeepers Alliance and UC Master Gardeners will be on hand, as well as botanist and beekeeper John Chestnut.
Food items for purchase include barbecue pulled pork, tacos, vegan collard wraps and coleslaw. Lily’s Coffee House will sell baked goods. Honey and mead will also be available.
Admission is free. Donations and proceeds from the event’s silent auction support beautification projects in Cambria. More information may be found on the website, beautifycambria.org.
