Bean Fest Back To Full Steam

The 39th Annual Arkansas Bean Fest and Championship Outhouse Races was back to its full schedule this year, with beautiful autumn weather lasting through the weekend.

Overall, the festival went smoothly with multiple craft, food and merchandise vendors adding to the mix of live music, bean cooking and outhouse racing.

A couple changes were noticeable to regular festival attendees.

Over-sized and damaged pots were taken out of service this year and there were fewer in use than in most years, but officials plan to restore traditional numbers. Some of the old pots were sold and funds will be used to purchase more suitable ones.
Outhouse races were moved to Main Street this year.

“I loved having the outhouse races on Main Street and next year we have big plans for this festival,” commented Rianna Kendrick, executive director of the Chamber of Commerce.

Lining up volunteers posed the greatest challenge this year.
“The volunteers and board members who do help go above and beyond, but we genuinely need more help,” she said.

This year’s beans were judged only by People’s Choice and the winners were Daniel Andrews at pot #11, first place; Stephany Corter at pot #4, second place; Aubrey Sloan at post #1, third place.

Christine Moore at pot #8 won for Best Dressed with patriotic theme, and Corter won for Best Decorated Area with the autumn farm theme.
In outhouse racing, there were fewer entrants than usual and all raced in one division. JoJo’s Catfish Wharf won first in the race, and also for Best Dressed and Best Outhouse. Sloan Trucking was the second place racer, and Jack’s Resort was third.

Kendrick will be forming committees for all festivals, and anyone who wants to help with activities is encouraged to contact her at 870-269-8068.