The Toe Cane Beekeepers Association congratulates the winners of the 10th Annual Mayland Black Jar Honey Contest and thanks the 57 community members who helped select the best-tasting honey in Mitchell, Avery, and Yancey counties. The contest was held on October 10th at Homeplace Beer Company and featured 19 local honeys.

First Place

• Ed Geouge, Blue Rock Apiary (Burnsville) – Sourwood Honey
This marks Geouge’s fourth consecutive win.

Second Place (4-way tie)

• Ed Geouge, Blue Rock Apiary – Wildflower Honey
• Suzanne Garland & Kim Gunter, Mountain River Apiary – Summer Honey
• Michelle Mejia, Moral Bees – Basswood Honey
• Jim & Ann Coomber, Happy Apple Bees – Spring Honey

Thanks

TCBA extends sincere thanks to Homeplace Beer Company, the 20 local merchants who donated to the silent auction, the Yancey County Extension Office, and all participants who supported the event.

Proceeds help TCBA bring beekeeping experts to the tri-county area and support educational programs, including the Beginners Beekeeping Class, the community apiary at Mayland’s Spruce Pine campus, and school outreach.

TCBA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit supporting bees and beekeepers in Mitchell, Avery, and Yancey counties.

Here’s a list of the entries and their corresponding letter.