GRAHAMSVILLE – The weatherman cooperated this year for the Annual Kay Danchak Youth Outdoor Expo, a welcome change from last year’s rainy day that likely kept many families away. Under sunny skies, the turnout was ideal. Over 90 children visited steadily throughout the day, enjoying a variety of kid-friendly activities including hands-on fly-casting, birdhouse building, fishing, archery, and more. A last-minute visitor brought extra excitement—Bob “the beekeeper” of Walkill, NY, attended the expo with 60,000 bee guests in tow. Bob spoke passionately about the crucial role of beekeepers in managing, protecting, and sustaining honeybee populations, which are vital for our food systems and ecosystems. “We’re running out of bees; they’re dying off. 

There’s a lack of forage, and pesticides are harming our native pollinators. You need pollination for us to have food. There are 132 fruits, nuts, seeds, and vegetables that must be pollinated by bees. If they aren’t, crops like apples, strawberries, and grapes won’t exist,” Bob explained. Beekeepers monitor beehives, treat illnesses, and control pests to prevent colony failures. John Van Etten, President of the Federation of Sportsmen’s Clubs of Sullivan County (FSCSC), spent the day assisting with birdhouse construction. 

He remarked to the Democrat, “The turnout was pretty good! Better than last year; however, we always wish for a few more! We didn’t run out of supplies, which is great, but it’s always nice to see the young kids come out and enjoy their day outside.” One of the most popular activities is the birdhouse station. “There’s always a long line for that, he said.” At every event, the FSCSC strives to promote upcoming activities hosted by other local outdoor organizations. This Saturday from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM, the Sullivan County Longbeards (SCLB) will host their JAKES event at Roscoe Fireman’s Field. Additionally, on Saturday and Sunday, September 26-27, the SCLB/NWTF, with the assistance of the FSCSC and the New York State DEC, will host the Sullivan County Youth Pheasant Hunt in Neversink.