SHELBY — A downtown celebration inspired by one of Shelby’s unique distinctions created buzz Saturday.
The second annual Shel-Bee Festival returned to the Black Fork Commons Plaza, bringing together vendors, live entertainment, food and family-friendly activities centered around the Shelby’s designation as a Bee City.
Event rooted in Shelby’s identity
Organizers launched the event in 2025 after Careen Fleck, owner of The Little Shops of Shelby, got together with Shelby resident Connie Roub and Richland County’s deputy apiarist Aaron Billheimer, among others, to look for ideas that reflected the community’s identity.
The conversation led organizers to Shelby’s Bee City designation, which inspired the creation of the Shel-Bee Festival.
“Last year was a great turnout with lots of smiling faces on both the kids and parents faces,” Billheimer said.
The festival featured dozens of vendors, food trucks and live music throughout the day.
The live music lineup included Buckboard Boogie, Tyler Boggs and Southern Rail.
Visitors could explore bee-related products, pollinator plants and educational displays focused on pollinators and beekeeping.
The festival provided plenty of activities for children, including bounce houses, games and a scavenger hunt designed for multiple age groups.
Organizers also planned honey-related attractions, including honey tasting opportunities and exhibits highlighting local beekeeping.
(Photos from the second annual Shel-Bee Festival. Credit: Hannah Martin)
