Lori Graham
Contributing Writer
Beans, cornbread, and lots of local musical entertainment, who could want more!
On Jan. 27 from 6-8 p.m., the First Annual Beans and Banjos Farewell Celebration will be held at the Meadowbrook Center in Shawsville.
Many local musical groups and individuals will be providing a variety of entertainment as eventgoers enjoy a menu of bean dishes, cornbread, assorted desserts, and non-alcoholic drinks. Most of all, socializing and having fun is at the top of the list and all are welcome to attend.
The Beans and Banjos event started at least 14 years ago and for years was a monthly event giving people an outlet in the cold winter months.
Tim Thorton, organizer of Beans and Banjos and editor of LINC Letter for many years, said that last year was meant to be the final gathering, but they had a great turnout and decided to bring it back this year.
“Basically, instead of doing it once a month, we are going to do it once a year,” Thorton said.
Originally, the event was a fundraiser for the Shawsville Ruritan Club but now donations collected at the event will support the continuing production of the LINC Letter. A full history of the event with pictures of bands from previous years can be found at www.shawsvilleruritan.wordpress.com.
Local community members volunteer to make the event a success by providing food, setting up chairs and tables, and donating their time to play music for the audience. Thorton said that there are too many to name them all but mentioned a few that have been very active in the event over the years.
“Sarah Orick and Jeff Christianson have been very active with both organizations, Carol and Susan Carr and George Smith have also been very involved with Beans and Banjos,” Thorton said.
Also in the past, square dance callers have lead attendees in traditional square dancing.
“There is no official agenda, and we are expecting at least one square dance caller to be there, so if enough people come then we can probably talk her into it,” Thorton said. “The musicians are donating their time and talent, and we’ve had some pretty good musicians with some that had just got back from their European tour. This time it will be an open jam.”
There will be vegetarian options on the menu as well, so come hungry.
“If you like beans, or cornbread, or bluegrass music, then come on out,” Thorton said. “We operate on ‘Granny Rules’ with no smoking, no cussing, no drinking, and no spitting on the floor. A very family-friendly atmosphere.”
The event will be held in the community center behind the Meadowbrook Library. Signs will be available off Route 460, directing people to the building.