TRACY – The annual Tracy Dry Bean Festival is marking “26 years of beans” with its latest installment of the popular celebration.
Organizers are expecting 40,000 for the two-day event Sept. 8 and 9 in downtown Tracy.
The historic festival is “all about bringing families together and celebrating our community’s past, present and future,” according to a statement by the Tracy Chamber of Commerce, the major sponsor of the event. “Every year the festival participants have a chance to ‘catch-up’ with old friends, meet new ones and take away offerings from local businesses, as well as commemorative festival T-shirts.”
The “Bean Pavilion,” returning again this year, will be located on Central Avenue between 9th and 10th streets. The pavilion gives festival-goers a chance to truly celebrate dry beans through bean samplings, more than 60 specialty dry beans for purchase, bean giveaways, and cooking demonstrations.
Also returning this year is the Bean Run 5K/10K and the “Show-N-Shine” Car Show with over 75 classic cars on display, both on Saturday.
Local chefs will compete Sunday for the prestigious title of “Best Chili in Town” at the annual chili bean cook off. The festival also will host the first-ever Bean Burrito Eating Contest at 3 p.m. Sunday near 10th Street and Central Avenue. Participants interested in signing up must submit a $5 entry by Aug. 30th to the chamber office. The winner will receive cash prizes and bragging rights for the most bean burritos eaten at the Bean Festival.
Three stages for live music are planned to highlight local music and entertainment for all ages, according to organizers.
New additions this year include a Kids Activity Area sponsored by Home Depot where kids will be able to participate in workshops and activities during the festival. Another addition to keep kids entertained will be bean sack races and bean bingo activities.
Scroll down to download the flier on the 2012 Tracy Dry Bean Festival.
