Recognizing Pennsylvania's McClure Bean Soup Festival

Floor Speech

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Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the McClure Bean Soup Festival. Over the weekend, I attended the 132nd McClure Bean Soup Festival in Snyder County, Pennsylvania's 15th Congressional District.

This annual celebration started when Captain Michael Smith and several other surviving Civil War veterans wanted to host a reunion with other veterans, and it has now grown into a weeklong fair.

Supposedly, Captain Smith and his comrades basically had beans and some ham and, therefore, decided to provide bean soup for all their comrades who were attending that reunion. Today, this fair has vendors, rides, and games, but the biggest attraction is the bean soup.

Last year, volunteers made more than 30 kettles, and, yes, the recipe has stayed the same for more than 130 years.

Mr. Speaker, this weeklong festival is a staple in the Snyder County community. It is a unique way to remember the veterans of the Civil War while building memories within the community.

Mr. Speaker, I look forward to next year's McClure Bean Soup Festival as well.

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