Giving the apple  B次元官网网址� and the bees that pollinate the trees B次元官网网址� their due is largely what the Metchosin Apple Bee Festival is all about.

In its seventh year, this mostly annual community event aims to remind people about the value of the humble, yet versatile fruit and the insect that is critical to its continued pollination.

Among the educational aspects of SundayB次元官网网址檚 (Oct. 4) festival is a presentation on the history of the apple in the area.

Bilston Farm in Metchosin was among the first places apples were cultivated in Canada west of the Hudson Bay, says Dan OB次元官网网址機onnell, a member of the Metchosin Pomological Society and co-organizer of the festival.

B次元官网网址淭hereB次元官网网址檚 some virtues (around the apple), like these heritage varieties, if they get taken away they wonB次元官网网址檛 be seen again,B次元官网网址� he says. B次元官网网址淭his is about giving a little bit of an anchor back to the apple and its presence.B次元官网网址�

Through the day, presentations will be given on apples and bees, practical demonstrations will be given on juice making, pie making and apple mashing for cider, and of course, thereB次元官网网址檚 the yummy applesauce tasting. Back again will be the apple-hurling trebuchets popular with the younger set.

Metchosin FarmB次元官网网址檚 Fiona Hamersley Chambers, who introduced a new apple developed locally last year, is said to be bringing another new variety this time around.

In preparation for the piemaking, Metchosin Pomological Society volunteers will be at Royal Bay Bakery on Saturday creating pie shells, with the idea of making things easier for festival goers to fill up their own pies on Sunday.

Visitors are encouraged to bring their own apples, especially the heritage varieties, for sharing and tasting.

Derek Wulff and fellow members of the Metchosin Beeranchers will be on hand talking about their craft, including doing honey extraction, and a demonstration hive will be open for visitors to see bees in action.

The Apple Bee Festival runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the grounds of the Metchosin Community House. The weekly FarmerB次元官网网址檚 Market is on at the same time.

While the event is free to attend, proceeds from sales of pies and other items will go toward the Metchosin Foundation.

editor@goldstreamgazette.com