The Green Bean Stroll will celebrate its 10th anniversary on Aug. 9, raising funds and collecting food donations for the Upshur County Parish House in Buckhannon.
Organizer Dr. Joseph Reed reminded community members about the event during the July 31 meeting of the Upshur County Commission. The stroll begins at the Riverwalk Boat Ramp, with registration starting at 8:30 a.m.
“We’ve had a cook-off [in the past], but we had some poor participation, so we canceled that and will just have the stroll this year,” Reed said. “The idea is to try to get as many people to come and join us as we can, and the primary purpose is to raise funds for the Parish House. All of the funds that go into putting the event together are provided by the crew.”
The Green Bean Stroll was created to support the Parish House and also aims to recognize local volunteer organizations, as well as promote nutrition, exercise and agriculture.
Registration for the stroll is a bag of beans or $5. Reed noted that accommodations are available for anyone unable to provide that.
“If you can’t manage that, let me know, and we can work out ways around that,” said Reed. “Last year, we had the Special Olympics come, and they made a contribution in lieu of their actual registration. They’ve been helpers who have been with me since the beginning.”
Reed recognized his co-organizers — Ann Ludlow, Ginny Dixon, Jannie Hoover, Maria Bray, Isaac Casto, the Scouts and 4-H members.
“People seem to like the green rocks the Scouts paint and put around the trail, because I’ve made rounds the next day afterwards and I can’t find any, so I’m assuming people are picking them up and using them as paperweights,” Reed said. “This year, there’ll be one that will offer some kind of a prize — we haven’t decided what it will be yet. It won’t be big, but something to recognize one of the rocks.”
At 9 a.m., the story Teenie Weenie Green Beanie, the Good Giant will be read, a session expected to last about 20 minutes.
“The one-mile stroll will start after the story. Anything goes: wheelchairs, bicycles, runners, walkers, skateboards, roller skates. It’s all paved, so just come have fun,” Reed said. “Thank you for letting me talk about it. Come and join us. Send your kids; if you can’t, send your friends. Thank you very much.”
