[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 152 (Wednesday, September 20, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H4418]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         RECOGNIZING PENNSYLVANIA'S McCLURE BEAN SOUP FESTIVAL

  (Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania asked and was given permission to 
address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  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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