The 156th Annual G.A.R. Bean Dinner will take place on the customary third Sunday in August at McElwee Park in New Castle.
The day begins with a church service from 9:30-10:30 a.m. and opening ceremonies with flag raising starts at 10:45 a.m. by Mohawk Valley 4-H club.
Food will be available from 11 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. (drive-through or sit-down). The menu includes specialties such as soup beans (cooked over an open fire in iron kettles) and cornbread, potato salad, shredded chicken, ham or hotdog sandwiches, pie, and bottled water.
The boxed price will be $10 per meal, which includes soup beans and cornbread or baked beans, potato salad, a sandwich, pie and a drink.
Live music will be provided by Brad Fuller from 12-1 p.m. and then The Walhonding Rube Band will perform from 1-2 p.m. with 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 veteran’s 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.
Come – dine in or pick up food – and pay tribute to our veterans and their families.
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