The spring 2008 Virginia State Beekeepers Association meeting is Friday, April 11th, and Saturday, April 12th. The meeting is being hosted by the Loudoun County Beekeepers’ Association at the 4-H Fairground in Leesburg, Virginia. Invited speakers include Nancy Ostiguy, Associate Professor from Penn State University, Phil Craft, State Apiarist from Kentucky, and Michael Palmer, a commercial beekeeper and President of the VT Beekeepers Association.

Besides the excellent meeting program, there are many places to visit and things to do in Northern Virginia. Everyone from history buffs to wine aficionados to museum enthusiasts to shoppers will find many interesting sites within a short distance of the meeting.

History fans can see the smallest national cemetery and Civil War battle site at Balls Bluff or visit the historic Oatlands Mansion. Many other historic sites including Harpers Ferry, Gettysburg, and Antietam are only a short drive. Strolling through the streets of Leesburg, Middleburg, Hillsboro or Waterford is fun for everyone, especially antique collectors. Loudoun County is also home to the Smithsonian Udvar-Hazy Air and Space Museum. If you can plan an extra day or two in the Northern Virginia area, a trip to Washington D.C. or Arlington cemetery are good excursions.

And then there is the shopping. Besides the one-of-a-kind shops in downtown Leesburg the Leesburg Premium Outlet mall, with more than 110 stores, is close to all accommodations. This destination mall is a favorite with anyone who likes a bargain.

Information on things to do in Loudoun County can be found at www.visitloudoun.org/. Further information on the VSBA meeting email vabees@virginiabeekeepers.org.  

Future meetings:

Fall 2008
Blue Ridge Community College
Weyers Cave, VA.
on
November 3, 2008

Spring 2009
Colonial Beekeepers Association
Hampton Roads, VA
on
To Be Announced