Association of beekeepers Kikinda

The Association of Beekeepers Kikinda (Serbian: Удружење пчелара Кикинда) is a local beekeeping association based in Kikinda, Serbia. Founded in 1938 at the same address where it still operates today — Generala Drapšina 48 — it is one of the oldest continuously active beekeeping organizations in the region. The association brings together beekeepers from Kikinda and surrounding areas, providing a platform for knowledge exchange, advocacy, and social events. The association's activities include publishing educational texts on beekeeping methods, maintaining a member registry, organizing regular assemblies, and celebrating traditional events such as the association's patron saint day (Lazareva Subota). Its website features articles by members like Saša Čolak and Srba Madić on topics ranging from stationary beekeeping methods to swarm management. The association also maintains documentation such as proposed rulebooks on awards, disciplinary responsibility, assembly procedures, and a beekeeping code of ethics. Membership is organized by year, with lists published from 2015 through 2026. The association is governed by a president and an assembly, with regular annual and electoral assemblies held to elect leadership. Over its history, it has had numerous presidents, including Ivan Tomašev (the first president in 1938), Vladimir Ajvaz, Milorad Šibul, Aleksandar Keneški, Nika Acigan, Ivan Kosančić, Milivoj Markov, Branko Micić, Božidar Brkljač, Dragan Lazić, Životije Golubović (2006–2010), Vladimir Kovačević (2010–2013), Mile Keča (2013–2014), and Saša Čolak (2014–present). The association is located in Kikinda, a town in the North Banat District of Vojvodina, Serbia. It operates as a non-profit membership organization. Its website serves as a communication hub for members, featuring news, notices, and educational content. The association's patron saint day is Lazarus Saturday (Lazareva Subota), which it celebrates annually with members and guests. As a local association, it focuses on the needs of beekeepers in the Kikinda area, promoting sustainable beekeeping practices and fostering a sense of community. It is not a commercial company but a voluntary, non-governmental organization. Its long history and continuous operation since 1938 make it a significant institution in the local agricultural and cultural landscape.

The Association of Beekeepers Kikinda was founded on January 10, 1938, at the same address where it remains today: Generala Drapšina 48 in Kikinda, Serbia. The founding president was Ivan Tomašev. From the beginning, members worked to improve the premises owned by the association, carrying out voluntary work actions to renovate the building and courtyard. Over the decades, the association has been led by a series of presidents: Ivan Tomašev (first term), Vladimir Ajvaz, Ivan Tomašev (second term), Milorad Šibul, Aleksandar Keneški, Nika Acigan, Ivan Kosančić, Milivoj Markov, Branko Micić, Božidar Brkljač, Dragan Lazić, Životije Golubović (2006–2010), Vladimir Kovačević (2010–2013), Mile Keča (2013–2014), and Saša Čolak (2014–present). The association has maintained a focus on education and community. Its website features articles by members such as Saša Čolak and Srba Madić on practical beekeeping topics, including stationary beekeeping methods, building a steam wax melter with a press, dealing with false queens, and managing swarms. It also publishes documentation such as proposed rulebooks on awards, disciplinary responsibility, assembly procedures, and a beekeeping code of ethics. Membership lists have been published annually from 2015 through 2026, indicating a continuous and active membership base. The association celebrates its patron saint day, Lazarus Saturday (Lazareva Subota), each year. In 2026, the celebration took place on April 4, with kumovi (sponsors) Slavica Dangubić-Caja and Nataša Igaz. The association also observes other holidays, such as Easter, with greetings to members. Regular annual and electoral assemblies are held to conduct business and elect leadership. The 2026 assembly was scheduled for March 15. The association remains active in the Kikinda community, serving as a hub for beekeepers in the region.

• Association founded in Kikinda; Ivan Tomašev becomes first president.

• Životije Golubović becomes president (serves until 2010).

• Vladimir Kovačević becomes president (serves until 2013).

• Mile Keča becomes president (serves until 2014).

• Saša Čolak becomes president.

• Regular Annual and Electoral Assembly scheduled.

• Celebration of patron saint day, Lazarus Saturday.

Local non-profit beekeeping association providing education, community, and advocacy for beekeepers in Kikinda, Serbia.

1. 1Official websiteudruzenje-pcelara-kikinda.info
2. 2Wikidatawikidata.org
3. 3Serbian Wikipediasr.wikipedia.org