HonFest 09

You may have heard of the “beehive”. You may have had it way back when, especially if you lived in or around Baltimore. Well, we’ve found that it makes an annual comeback at HonFest.


About half of the team volunteered for HonFest 2009 this past Saturday. The festival has been happening every year since 1994, and I’m happy to have discovered and enjoyed it 15 years later.

The web site sums it up well: “HonFest is a local tradition. The Bawlmer term of endearment, Hon, short for Honey, embodies the warmth and affection bestowed upon our neighbors and visitors alike by historic working-women of Baltimore. HonFest is an annual celebration in honor of these women.”

What originally started as a small tradition at Café Hon turned into a big event where many a vendors set up along 4 blocks and two stages showcase local bands and performers. There is even a “Glamour Lounge”, where visitors can get their own beehives for the day (See Colleen and Chloe below with Doug).

It was a long day – We worked in various locations, directing vehicles, staffing the volunteer booth, and the HonFest info booth, also known as the “Honformation” booth. I staffed the HB all day from 2 – 10pm, and it was unexpectedly one of the most interesting and enjoyable volunteer opportunities I’ve come to so far. Some big factors included people-watching, taking some great photos, and being stationed right in the middle of the festival, with front row seats to the Elvis impersonator.

Speaking of impersonators, the rest of Badger 6 visited us and our own Doug was stopped for photos several times. Funny thing is… he always dresses that way.


All in all, it was quite a day: great staff, good music, entertaining people, and a photo album to keep it all in memory. Who knows, maybe I’ll be able to stop by again next year. Until then, I’ll be working on perfecting my beehive.


(Just kidding)

…

(It’s already perfect)

Later, hon!