Zurich Bean Festival

The air is buzzing with excitement as organizers gear up for the 59th annual Zurich Beanfest this August. Oddly enough, the first Beanfest was held in Hensell in 1954 and it was so popular that Zurich decided to host a Beanfest of their own. Zurich adopted the popular event in 1966, and it has since become a cherished local tradition. Committee member Heidi Klopp notes that the festival is officially celebrating its 59th year, setting the stage for a big 60th anniversary next year. 

 

The two-day festival runs August 21 and August 22nd. Friday night kicks off downtown with the midway, live music, a licensed area featuring food trucks, and the opening ceremonies. New this year is a dunk tank, and a list of volunteers you may want to dunk will be available on the festival's Facebook page as the date approaches.

 

Saturday is jam-packed, starting early with a major highlight of the weekend - the Wrench Benders’ car show which opens at 8 a.m., followed by the street vendors' market. Minor athletic teams will be hosting breakfast in the morning. The main attraction  is the famous pork chop and bean dinner, served downtown from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.. The beer tent will feature music throughout the day, and the midway will run all Saturday. The dunk tank returns in the afternoon, and the entire day is capped off with the popular Battle of the Bands, an event returning after its successful debut last year.

 

Heidi emphasizes that the Beanfest truly is a great family day. Admission to the grounds is free, though costs apply for food and the midway. Visitors can even enjoy the frog-jumping contest at no cost, which features a small prize for the winning amphibian's owner.

 

The event remains immensely popular, often drawing between 5,000 and 7,000 people, with around 600 vehicles participating in the car show. More than just a festival, the Beanfest acts as a homecoming weekend for those who have moved away and serves as a major fundraiser for many local groups. A full schedule will be posted soon on their Facebook page and at www.beanfest.ca.