McElwee Park to host GAR Bean Dinner

| August 14, 2013

NEW CASTLE – The 146th annual GAR Bean Dinner will take place on the customary third Sunday in August at McElwee Park in New Castle.

The day begins with church services at 10 a.m. hosted by The New Castle Ministries. Everyone is welcome. Flag rising is at 11:15 a.m. and is followed by the meal, which includes: Sandwiches, potato salad, coleslaw, homemade pies, cakes and such specialties as soup beans, cooked over an open fire in iron kettles, and cornbread. Homemade ice cream by Phil Ingmire also will be available.

Entertainment by Chester Ridge Bluegrass Gospel commences at 11:45 a.m. followed by historian Chris Hart at 12:45 p.m. He will portray civil war character Thomas Wilson, who survived the battle of New  Market, Va. The Walhonding Rube band will perform at 1:15 p.m. and the new Bean Queen or King will be crowned after that. The day also will include local history information from David Snyder of the Walhonding Valley Museum and local officials and candidates will be on the grounds to visit and listen to concerns.

The Grand Army of the Republic Bean Dinner is held annually in commemoration of the Charles C. Nicholas 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 many 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 improvements only.

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Category: People & Places

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