COBKA SUMMER PICNIC
With Matt Allen and Clyde Dildine
COBKA members and their families are invited to this year’s Summer Picnic on Saturday, August 15, 2026.
We are hosting a relaxed, members-focused summer gathering with hive inspections, queen-finding practice, family crafts, a Bee Family Tree activity, bee storytelling, a drone-spitting contest, and a shared picnic lunch.
Not yet a COBKA member? Become a member here to attend. We would love to have you!
Details
Who: COBKA members and their families
Where: Connie and Linda’s
Address: 9461 NE Smith Rock Loop Terrebonne
Date: Saturday, August 15, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
REGISTRATION REQUESTED - FOR PLANNING
Hive Inspections
Advanced Inspection
Matt Allen of Apricot Apiaries will lead the advanced inspection group.
Matt is the founder of Apricot Apiaries in Kimberly, Oregon, where he has extensive hands-on experience managing colonies for honey production, pollination, nucs, packages, and queen rearing.
His session will focus on:
- Identifying unusual or concerning hive conditions
- Reading colony clues
- Recognizing when something does not look right
- Strengthening inspection skills beyond the basics
Matt will also lead a queen-finding session and share practical techniques for locating the queen. Members will have time to practice during the event.
Beginner Inspection
Clyde Dildine will lead the beginner hive inspection group.
Clyde is a longtime mentor and beekeeping educator, a past COBKA president, and a lead Oregon Master Beekeeper Apprentice instructor.
He will demonstrate proper hive inspection procedures and help newer beekeepers understand what is normal inside a healthy colony, including:
- Brood patterns
- Colony behavior
- Basic hive observations
- Safe and efficient inspection techniques
Schedule
10:00 a.m. - Arrive and settle in
10:30–11:30 a.m. - Hive inspections
- Advanced inspection with Matt Allen
- Beginner inspection with Clyde Dildine
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. - Queen finding, crafts, and Bee Family Tree activity
12:30–1:30 p.m. - Picnic lunch, bee storytelling, and drone-spitting contest
1:30–2:00 p.m. - Wrap-up and informal visiting
Family Activities
Crafts
Family-friendly activities will include:
- Creating a buzzing bee with popsicle sticks
- Making lip balm
Bee Family Tree
Who influenced your beekeeping journey? Who have you influenced? How many times have our paths crossed?
The Bee Family Tree activity will help trace the mentors, students, friendships, and shared learning that connect COBKA members.
Storytelling
Bring a funny, memorable, or surprising bee story to share. No polished storytelling skills are required—bee stories tend to do the work themselves.
Drone-Spitting Contest
A drone-spitting contest will be held around lunchtime. Participation is optional, but spectators are strongly encouraged.
Picnic Lunch
COBKA will provide a protein and drinks.
Members are asked to bring a side dish, salad, and/or dessert to share. Honey-inspired dishes are especially welcome.
For homemade dishes, please consider bringing a few printed copies of the recipe.
What to Bring
Participants should bring:
- A chair
- A picnic blanket, if desired
- Appropriate protective beekeeping clothing
A limited number of extra bee suits and veils will be available.
Carpooling is recommended.
Queens Available for Purchase
Matt Allen of Apricot Apiaries will bring a limited number of queens for purchase.
- 1–5 queens: $40 each
- 6–10 queens: $35 each
To reserve queens, contact Matt Allen at 541-nine34-9101
About the Venue
Connie and Linda are generously hosting the picnic at their beautiful property in Utopia, with Smith Rock as the backdrop.
Thank you, Connie and Linda, for welcoming COBKA members and their families.
Please Note
This event is limited to COBKA members and their families. COBKA’s traditional public Field Day is taking a break this year and will not be held as a public event.
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