The Outer Banks BeeKeepers’ Guild recently held its first Honey Contest. Guest judges were North Carolina Beekeepers’ Association President Rick Coor and Guild member and former North Carolina State Senator Fountain Odom.

Winner of the Judges’ Award, based on color, clarity and flavor, was second-year beekeeper Melissa Warner of Manteo, shown with her winning honey still in the frame before extraction. Winner of the People’s Choice Award, based on flavor alone and judged by all members present, was 50-plus-year beekeeper Don Babin of Rodanthe, shown with a jar of his honey.

The Outer Banks BeeKeepers’ Guild welcomes new members, whether interested in keeping honey bees themselves or just learning more about these amazing creatures. For more information, visit outerbanksbeekeepers.com online.