For the second straight year, the Chilton County Beekeeper Association will hold a beginner beekeeping course.

The course will consist of seven classes on Monday nights from Jan. 14 to March 4 from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Clanton Recreation Center.

As the name implies, the course is designed for those looking into getting started as a beekeeper.

The cost of the course is $40 per person and includes a 2019 membership with the county association.

Registration for the course will be held on a first-come, first-served basis.

The deadline to register is Dec. 15. A late fee of $10 will be added for signees after the cutoff date.

According to CCBA President Larry Wyatt, 18 new beekeepers completed last year’s course.

He hopes that number continues to grow.

Various guest speakers will be invited to talk about their experience to go along with the ACES Backyard Beekeeping textbook published by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System.

Attendees can download a free copy of the textbook at www.aces.edu/pubs/docs/A/ANR-0135/ANR-0135.pdf.

The lineup of guest speakers is still being worked out.

Wyatt will speak at the first class, while Alabama Beekeepers Association President and Jemison resident Bill Evans is also expected to make an appearance.

“I think it’s going to be even better this year,” Wyatt said.

The Clanton Recreation Center is located at 305 Lay Dam Road in Clanton.

The Chilton County Beekeeper Association continues to look for ways to branch out and spread the word about beekeeping.

As a result, it will be part of the sesquicentennial festivities with a booth at the Goose Pond Gala from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Clanton City Park.