GAR Bean Dinner to celebrate 151st annual event
NEW CASTLE – The 151st annual GAR Bean Dinner will be on the customary third Sunday in August, Aug. 19, at McElwee Park in New Castle.
The day begins with church services at 10 a.m. hosted by New Castle Ministries. Everyone is welcome. Local Boy Scout Troop 344 will lead flag rising at 11:15 a.m. Serving will be from 11:30 a.m. – 3 p.m. with a full menu including ham, chicken, and barbecued pork sandwiches, homemade potato salad, pasta salad, pies, cakes, and such specialties as 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 Howard and Judy Sacks of Gambier. They have played old-time country music for more than 40 years. At 1 p.m., Ken Smailes, news director at WTNS radio, will share local history. At 1:30 p.m., the Walhonding Rube Band will perform and the announcement of the new bean queen or king will be made. 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 Carlisle. On bequeathal of the McElwee Park in the community over 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.
Contact Karen (Allen) Locke at 740-824-3792 with any questions.
Category: Arts & Entertainment
