Honey and Hot Rods Bring Buzz and Engines to Downtown Orland

Annual community celebration showcases Orland's claim as the 'Queen Bee Capital of North America'

Apr. 12, 2026 at 11:30am

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A bold, pop art-inspired illustration featuring a repeating pattern of a classic car tire in neon colors, conceptually representing the classic cars and automotive enthusiasm celebrated at the Honey and Hot Rods event in Orland.The classic cars on display at Honey and Hot Rods showcase Orland's vibrant automotive culture and community pride.Orland Today

The streets of downtown Orland were buzzing on Saturday for the annual Honey and Hot Rods event, a celebration of the city's status as the 'Queen Bee Capital of North America'. The event featured honey-inspired treats, classic cars, and educational exhibits from the local Honeybee Discovery Center, drawing a crowd despite overcast weather.

Why it matters

Honey and Hot Rods is an important community event that highlights Orland's unique identity as a hub for honeybee production and education, while also supporting local businesses and showcasing the city's revitalized downtown area. The event aims to bring residents together, promote appreciation for bees and pollinators, and showcase Orland's classic car culture.

The details

The Honey and Hot Rods event was organized by the Honeybee Discovery Center, with support from many Fourth Street business owners. In addition to honey-themed food and drinks, the event featured a display of classic and custom cars, including a 1979 Pontiac Trans Am and a 1946 Willys CJ-2A Jeep. Attendees were able to learn about bees and pollinators at exhibits from the Honeybee Discovery Center, and the event aimed to educate people on the importance of bees while also helping to support local businesses.

  • The Honey and Hot Rods event took place on Saturday, April 11, 2026.
  • The event has been an annual tradition in Orland for several years.

The players

Carolina Burreson

The board president of the Honeybee Discovery Center in Orland, who helped organize the event to celebrate the city's status as the 'Queen Bee Capital of North America'.

Roger Collette

An Orland native who brought his father's 1946 Willys CJ-2A Jeep to the event, both as a tribute to his father and grandfather who served in World War II.

Lisa Salzman

A local resident who helped give out free honey-themed cupcakes at the event, and expressed her appreciation for the revitalization of downtown Orland.

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What they’re saying

“We're central to the region that supplies and grows queens and supplies the out to all of North America, so that's kind of a cool claim to fame. So we're really here to celebrate the fact that Orland is the Queen Bee Capital of North America.”

— Carolina Burreson, Board President, Honeybee Discovery Center

“I figured I'd bring my dad's Jeep, kind of in memory of my dad, and also as tribute to my grandfather who served in World War II.”

— Roger Collette

“I love seeing the revitalization of the town, it is amazing. I wish it had a bigger response, but I understand the threat of weather, and I'm very thankful to the folks that braved it to be here.”

— Lisa Salzman

What’s next

The Honeybee Discovery Center plans to continue hosting the Honey and Hot Rods event annually, with the goal of growing the celebration and further showcasing Orland's identity as the 'Queen Bee Capital of North America'.

The takeaway

Honey and Hot Rods is a unique community event that highlights Orland's role as a hub for honeybee production and education, while also bringing together residents to celebrate the city's revitalized downtown and classic car culture. The event's success demonstrates the value of events that celebrate a community's distinct identity and support local businesses.