POLLINATORS PLUS PEOPLE. That's what the Chippewa Valley Expo is all about! The second annual buzz-worthy event returns the weekend of April 11-12, set to feature 70-plus vendors, live demonstrations, raffles and giveaways plus a whole lot more.

Whether you’re intrigued by pollinators or just have a hankering for local honey, mark your calendars for the second annual Chippewa Valley Bee Expo coming up April 11-12!

The two-day event will return to the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds (225 Edward St., Chippewa Falls) with nearly double the amount of vendors from its inaugural year plus kids activities, cooking demonstrations centered around honey, a visit from the Wisconsin Honey Queen and more.

At its heart, the expo aims to educate and inspire attendees by diving into the importance of pollinators, sustainable living and natural beekeeping practices.

Whether you’re an experienced beekeeper, an aspiring homesteader, or simply curious about pollinators, this is a can’t-miss local event, organizers say. Expo Director Galen Klisiewicz emphasized his hope for youth turnout as well.

“The show brings in all the good we can do in nature,” Klisiewicz said in a recent media release. “We are here for the youth; we want a bright future and the youth is our chance to get there.”

Familiar favorites lined up to host demonstrations at the Chippewa Valley Bee Expo include Drew Kaiser of Kaiserson Bee Co. leading the "Starting Out With Bees" session at 9am on April 12; Avenue Orchard's energy bar cooking demonstration at 9:30am on April 11 and "Pruning Your Fruit Trees" session at 3pm on April 12; Moon Bees' "Nector of the Gods" cooking session at 11am on April 12, among others.

Beyond the 70-plus vendors, raffles and giveaways (valued at over $8,000) and numerous demonstrations, the expo will also include a “Kids Korner” with bee-themed activities and crafts, face painting and educational games.

A special contest for youths ages 10-16 will be held as well, encouraging young pollinators to bring a “homemade pollinator promoter project,” like a butterfly feeder or water station, for the chance to win a cash prize. 

View the full events schedule online at chippewavalley-bee-expo.org and snag your tickets ($15 for one day, $20 for both days) online at VolumeOneTickets.org, in person at Festival Foods or Fleet Farm, or at the door of the event. Free admission for kids under the age of 12. Veteran discount of $5.

The Chippewa Valley Bee Expo will be held at the Northern Wisconsin State Fairgrounds (225 Edward St., Chippewa Falls) from 9am-4pm on Saturday, April 11 and Sunday, April 12 • Admission is free for those under age 12; veterans will receive a discount of $5 off; general admission is $15 for one day or $20 for both days • Find more information online at chippewavalley-bee-expo.org