The city of Hampton will usher in the spring season this weekend with its first Pollen Festival.

An arts and crafts festival, the event will help raise funds for the city’s Downtown Development Authority. Main Street Director Patti Battle said Councilman Arley Lowe determined the festival’s name.

“He thought it was whimsical enough for an arts and crafts festival that it would draw people,” said Ms. Battle.

She said they are looking for vendors to display artwork, handmade jewelry and other items. Activities for children, such as a racetrack and face painting, will be available. And a small three-car train dubbed the “Hampton Express” will take children for a ride.

The Bear 92.5 FM will broadcast live from 10 a.m. to noon.

Tom Bonnell, a horticultural program assistant with the Clayton County Extension, will present programs throughout the day on beekeeping, a personal hobby since 1996.

“I got into beekeeping because I had gardens and I wanted them for pollination,” said Bonnell.

He has 10 hives at his home in Hampton and also collects honey from them, gathering 15 gallons last year. He does not, however, sell honey during his presentations.

“That would just be something else I’d have to lug along,” said Bonnell.

He will bring his beekeeping equipment and a PowerPoint presentation, but no bees.

“I don’t take any bees out. There’s too much liability in that,” said Bonnell.

He said beekeeping can be a family project when done correctly. A common misconception is that you can get stung easily, but Bonnell said yellow jackets are usually the culprit, not honeybees.

“I hope to educate you enough that when you come out of there you have a good idea what it’s going to take for you to become a beekeeper,” said Bonnell.

Hampton’s Pollen Festival will be held Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Main Street. Vendor booths are $50 for 10 by 10 feet. Parking will be available at city hall, the police station or the Hampton Train Depot.

Information: (770) 946-4306 or www.cityofhampton-ga.gov.