HomeMy WebLinkAboutTimes Advocate, 1995-08-30, Page 10Page 10 Times -Advocate, August 30, 1995
20,000 people take part in
Bean Festival
president calls
1995 festivities
"the biggest"
ZURICH - Thousands of people crowded to the Zurich Bean Fes-
tival last weekend as skies cleared just in time for the day's celebra-
tions.
The expanded midway was frequented by many and entertainers
drew a large group, often leaving standing space only. Bean line-
ups were also busy.
In a telephone interview with the T -A Monday. Bean Festival
President Doug Erh described this year's Bean Fest as the "the
biggest and hest."
Not only were the Kean eating area, the mid -way and the street
market full of activity, the car show also drew countless car admir-
ers.
"1 can't believe they fit them all in there," said a passer-by of the
display area that was filled bumper to bumper with close to 1,0(0
classic cars.
Of course Mr. Bean was along to add to everyone's fun and mid-
way music could he heard while an acrobatic plane soared over the
heads of bean eaters. The entertainers seemed to he at their best
with Grumbly the Clown on hand to make balloon animals and jug-
gle on the spot, Country Clem belting out his jokes and Craig Doug-
las whipping around on his unicycle amusing the audience with his
fire juggling.
"Are you married?...\Vhat do you do for a living?" he asked chil-
dren who volunteered as helpers.
Erh, along with Huron MPP Helen Johns, Huron Bruce MP Paul
Steckle and Zurich Reeve Dwayne Laporte were at the official
opening with brief, upbeat messages.
"1 was here 30 years ago when this festival was first opened," said
Steckle.
But perhaps Steckle summed it all up when he said. "Each year
this fair gets Nigger and Nigger."
Baked b:•ans, pork chops, a choice of bean salad or cole-
slaw and a bun were all on the menu at Zurich's 30th An-
nual Bean Festival.
At least 20,000 people turned out at this year's Bean Festival. One mid -way operator even estimated the turnout at
25,000 people. According to Festival President Doug Erb, this is the biggest crowd yet for the yearly event.
Margaret and Kurt Liedtke, of Mitchell, eat their beans in a quiet, shady spot.
At left, Donna
Potter, left, and
Mary Ducharme,
both of London,
display their
crafts at the the
Bean Fest's all -
day street market.
At left, Mr. Bean
takes a stroll just
outside of Zu-
rich's Bean Festi-
val Kitchen as
part of his festivi-
ty duties. At right,
Mary Merkel and
her four-year-old
son, Jake, catch
the view from the
ferris wheel at the
festival's midway.
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