GAR Bean Dinner to be held on third Sunday of August
NEW CASTLE – The 152nd annual GAR Bean Dinner will be on the customary third Sunday in August on Aug. 18 at McElwee Park in New Castle.
The day begins with a church service at 10 a.m. hosted by The New Castle Ministries. Everyone is welcome. Mohawk Valley 4-H Club will lead flag raising at 11:15 a.m. Serving is from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. with a full menu including ham, chicken, and barbecue pork sandwiches, homemade potato salad, pasta salad, pies, cakes, soup beans cooked over an open fire in iron kettles, and cornbread. They will also have roasted corn on the cob and hand dipped ice cream served by the Mohawk Valley 4-H Club.
At noon, there will be music by Brad Fuller, guitarist and singer with songs you know and love. At 1 p.m., local historian Chris Hart will be portraying a civil war character. At 1:30 p.m., the Walhonding Rube Band will favor us with their style of music and the announcement of the new Bean Queen or King. Also at the east end of the pavilion, David Snyder from the Walhonding Valley Museum will have some local history. Local officials and candidates will be on the grounds to visit and listen to concerns. Throughout the day, there will be presentations.
The Grand Army of the Republic Bean Dinner is held annually in commemoration of the Charles C. Nichols Post, formed in 1867. Historically, the bean dinner was held on the Nichols farm west of New Castle. On bequeathal of McElwee Park to the community more than 100 years ago, the commemoration was transferred to its present location.
The park is open for picnics and family reunions. Any contributions will be greatly appreciated and are used for park upkeep and improvements only.
Please contact Karen (Allen) Locke at 740-824-3792 with any questions.
Category: People & Places
