The observation hive was constructed by Columbiana Mahoning County Beekeepers Association member Don Kovach. He has served in many officer positions with the association and has become a bee expert over the years.

Kovach, an Air Force veteran, was introduced to beekeeping 25 years ago when his family had an apple orchard in Austintown. The family tried a bee hive to bring pollinators in for the apple trees.

Kovach was bitten by the bug so to speak, and entered the beekeeping hobby. Over the years he gained a lot of knowledge through seminars, speakers, books and comparing notes with other beekeepers.

He said the CMCBA was one of the best things he did to advance his knowledge. The association regularly hosts speakers at their monthly meetings to present the latest in beekeeping.

Columbiana Mahoning County Beekeepers Association member Don Kovach shows the details of a miniature hive model he uses to show the mechanics of beekeeping. (Photo by J.T. Whitehouse)

“The CMCBA started in 1987,” Kovach said. “It has maintained an average of 50 members since then. The members are of various ages and skills.”

The CMCBA does a good deal to advance the hobby, according to Kovach.

“Our club sponsors four kids each year,” he said. “They are between the ages of 12-18 and have to be in either 4-H or Scouting because they develop skills they need in beekeeping.”

He said the club provides the young newcomers with complete hive kits they are free to design and paint. Members mentor the young people and hope they will continue in the hobby.

“I’m training my replacements,” Kovach said.

Columbiana Mahoning County Beekeepers Association member Don Kovach prepares to move a hive into an observation hive to display at the Canfield Fair. (Photo by J.T. Whitehouse)

The CMCBA is best seen at the annual Canfield Fair. The organization sets up a large display near the apple exhibit. The display includes a lot of information, members available to answer questions and the popular glass bee hive that shows the queen and her workers. Kovach provides the display and one of his own hives.

“The bees are locked into the observation hives for three days,” he said. “Half way through the fair I swap them out for a fresh hive and return the first hive to the original hive at home.”

Kovach said he replaced John Beihart of Columbiana, who used to handle the exhibit for the fair.

“He retired and I took over for him 15 years ago,” he said.

As for the sales at the fair, Kovach said the CMCBA brings in 1,300 containers of honey and 17,000 honey sticks, which are a fair favorite. Other products offered include honey suckers, candy, pure cut honeycomb and candles made from bee wax.

Fairgoers check out the observation hive in the Hay and Grain Building during the Canfield Fair. Fairgoers can also enjoy the busy bees’ work by purchasing fresh local honey, wax candles and a variety of sweet treats for young and old alike. (Photo by J.T. Whitehouse)

The honey is judged on Wednesday. On Thursday (Youth Day), the members put on a youth day with activities for the kids.

“My station for Youth Day is helping kids make candles they can take home,” Kovach said. “We also have two members dress in bee costumes and kids can have their picture taken with them.