Explanation
Title
To Declare June 26, 2004 "Bean Dinner Day" in the City of Columbus.
Body
Whereas, bean dinners became popular events after the Civil War. Veterans from the war, both north and south, would gather for reunions and cook simple food in the style of the campaigns of the war - beans and coffee, and;
Whereas, previous to the 1930's, the Hilltop Business Association (then the Hilltop Businessman's Association) would sponsor yearly picnics at Buckeye Lake. As a way to thank their customers for their business throughout the year, and:
Whereas, the idea of a bean dinner was put forth, and after a few years, the bean dinner was held on three days - Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from noon until around 9:00 p.m. Beans were cooked in large pots on open fires, and any businessman could display his goods or hand out samples, and:
Whereas, During the late 1950's and early 1960's, carnivals were added as attractions, drawing people from areas other than the Hilltop, and:
Whereas, after some time off, in 1981, a renewed HBA started the Bean Dinner again. The first one was located at Franklin Heights High School. Voicing a desire to return to the Hilltop, permission was granted from Columbus Recreation and Parks to have the Bean Dinner in Westgate Park again, and;
Whereas, many people return to the Hilltop from around the city and state to see old friends and visit. Last year's Bean Dinner drew approximately 30,000 people.
The Bean Dinner is truly a reunion, just as the first bean dinners were after the Civil War.
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF COLUMBUS:
That we declare June 26, 2004 "Bean Dinner Day" in the City of Columbus.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED: that a copy of this Resolution be presented to the leadership of Bean Dinner 2004 as a token of our esteem.