G.A.R. Bean Dinner

NEWCASTLE – The 154th annual G.A.R. Bean Dinner will take place on the customary third Sunday in August, Aug. 15, at McElwee Park in Newcastle.

Church service will be 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. Opening ceremonies with flag raising at 10:45 a.m. by Mohawk Valley 4-H club. Food will be available 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., both drive-through and sit-down available. Menu includes soup beans (cooked over an open fire in iron kettles) and cornbread, potato salad, a choice of shredded chicken or hot dog for the sandwich, pie and bottled water. Boxed price will be $10 per meal.

Entertainment planned for the day includes Chris Hart, story teller/historian, 12 - 12:30 p.m.; The Walhonding Rube Band, 1- 2 p.m.; and Dave Snyder representing Walhonding Valley Museum.

The Grand Army of the Republic Bean Dinner is held annually in commemoration of the Charles C. Nichols Post, formed in 1867 to support widows and orphans. Today, we donate to the veterans emergency fund. Historically, the Bean Dinner was held on the Nichols Farm west of New Castle. On bequeath of McElwee Park to the community over a hundred years ago, the commemoration was transferred to its present location. 

Contributions will be greatly appreciated and are used for park upkeep. 

Please contact Karen (Allen) Locke at 740-824-3792 with any questions.