As one of the top pollinators of crops in the United States, the small honeybee plays a huge role in the production of the foods Americans eat.

In recognition of its vital function in the food cycle, the Environmental and Heritage Center will hold its annual Honeybee Festival from 1-5 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 28, at 2020 Clean Water Drive in Buford.

The Honeybee Festival features numerous activities for families such as bee games, crafts, honey samples and Honeybee Theater. Guests also will discover innovative snack ideas using honey. A number of beekeepers and vendors will be on hand to discuss their craft and sell local honey and beeswax products.

Visitors may take a guided, pollinator trivia hike, see observation hives and learn from beekeeping information sessions. The sessions will include a 2 p.m. presentation on making beeswax lip balm by Lena Franklin with the Eastern Piedmont Beekeepers’ Association and a 3 p.m. presentation on natural beekeeping and honey processing by Silviu Gavriliuc, a certified beekeeper. A special kid-friendly intro class focusing on the honeybee will be offered at various times throughout the event.

The EHC Gift Shop will sell all natural, raw honey from the EHC Foundation’s own hives. The honey is available for purchase in 6- and 9-ounce jars. 

Tickets to the Honeybee Festival are $8 per person. Children 2 and younger and EHC members are free.

For more information, visit www.gwinnettEHC.org.