History
History of the Kernersville Honeybee Festival
1973 – The Honeybee Becomes North Carolina’s State Insect
On March 5, 1973, Kernersville resident Brady Mullinax began his campaign to establish the honeybee as North Carolina’s official state insect. Determined to highlight the vital role of honeybees in agriculture and the environment, he traveled to Raleigh alongside North Carolina’s State Honey Queen, Pat Dollarhite. In a creative and persuasive effort, she drizzled honey from a honey bear onto biscuits, stating, “Who wouldn’t vote in favor of the Honeybee Bill?”
The bill was championed in the North Carolina Senate by Betty Ann Wilkie and in the House of Representatives by E. Lawrence Davis. Thanks to their advocacy—and Brady’s unwavering dedication—the bill passed, and the honeybee officially became North Carolina’s state insect in 1973.
1975 – The First Kernersville Honeybee Festival
In the summer of 1975, Lucy Lewis, Rev. Jim Carriker, and Beverly Everett proposed the idea of a community festival to celebrate Brady Mullinax’s contributions—both as a town employee and as a dedicated citizen. Given the significance of his efforts, it was only fitting that the festival be named the Kernersville Honeybee Festival.
That September, Kernersville hosted its first-ever Honeybee Festival, marking the beginning of what would become a long-standing tradition honoring both Brady and the importance of honeybees in North Carolina.
1987–1988 – National Recognition
Brady’s work in designating the honeybee as North Carolina’s state insect received national recognition in 1987 when the U.S. Postal Service issued an embossed Honeybee stamped envelope to commemorate this achievement. The following year, in 1988, a Honeybee stamp was released.
Brady’s passion for beekeeping began at an early age—he hived his first swarm of bees at just 9 years old and remained dedicated to beekeeping throughout his life until his passing.
2005 – A Prestigious National Award
By 2005, the Kernersville Honeybee Festival had grown into a cherished local tradition. That year, it received the Dorothy Mullen Arts and Humanities Award, a prestigious national honor recognizing the most innovative and effective arts and humanities programs across the country. This award highlighted the festival’s role in celebrating heritage, community engagement, and environmental awareness.
Present Day – A Thriving Community Tradition
Today, the Kernersville Honeybee Festival is one of the region’s most popular annual events, attracting over 10,000 visitors each year. Held on the third Saturday of August at Fourth of July Park, the festival features:
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100+ vendors offering crafts, handmade goods, and local products
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Food trucks serving a variety of delicious options
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Live entertainment, including a DJ and family-friendly activities
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Educational exhibits, celebrating honeybees and their role in our ecosystem