The Bean Bash

Helping disabled children and adults since 1974

 

 

History of The Bean Bash

The Bean Bash began in the summer of 1974. It was started by Former State Representative Bill McBee, initially conceived as a political fundraiser.

The first location of the Bean Bash was at the Mid Valley Pipe Line Park on Limaburg Road in Hebron, KY. The bash consisted of bean soup, tomatoes, slaw, and corn bread cooked on site. As the attendance at the Bean Bash grew, the Homemakers of Hebron and Burlington made the corn bread. (All still served to this day!)

The Bean Bash grew large and was moved to Latonia Race Course (now Turfway Park) in the early 1980's. It was originally held entirely outdoors. As it further grew, it was moved inside. (Events now occupy multiple floors at Turfway Park.)

The event was reinvented because of one very special guy, Steve McBee, Bill’s son, who sadly passed away in 2009. It is an opportunity for the McBee family and the Northern Kentucky community to show their support for these charities and their outstanding programs. The proceeds of the Bean Bash went to Redwood Rehabilitation Center, BAWAC and KIDS HELPING KIDS. When KIDS HELPING KIDS moved to Ohio, Special Olympics – Northern Kentucky became the third charity.

Each Bean Bash has always had a strong schedule of events. In the past, the Governors, Lt. Governors, State Representatives, State Senators and U.S. Senators attended and made speeches. As part of our entertainment, we have had sky divers, horse races, bingo, oral auctions, silent auctions, music, kids’ rooms, wrestlers, marching bands, dancers, Texas Hold ‘Em poker tournaments,

Some of our celebrities have been Miss Americas, Phyllis George Brown and Heather French Henry. singer Billy Ray Cyrus, Survivor contestant Roger Bingham, UK Basketball greats, Wah Wah Jones, John Crigler and Deron Feldhaus, Bengal Football players, Joe Walter, Doug Pelfrey,

Each year, Miss Florence, Little Mr. and Miss Florence, Miss Boone County have attended and assisted with the oral auction and the 5K Family Walk/Run