Beanfest 2009 - Nov 7-8 - Sheepshead parking/camping area

I am hoping to make it. That is my busy season so I can't commit right now, but I will try to be there.

It has been 2 1/2 years since I've been to the BF which is too long. Maybe I can drag Manny along too.

It's been years since I've been to one. I think I will attend for the festivities. Would anyone be interested in carpooling down there from Phoenix area?

1) When did it become a potluck? (yea, it's been too long--haven't been since Grandma's)

2) Are cooking arrangements coordinated? I.e., if I bring some tamales, will there be heat to warm them or am I responsible for that myself?

Thanks.

In my experience, the beanmaster recruits helpers to bring/cook beans, supply tortillas, chips, beer, coordinates t-shirts, games and prizes.

1) When did it become a potluck?

Don't think it's ever been a pot luck.

shawn bradley wrote:In my experience, the beanmaster recruits helpers to bring/cook beans, supply tortillas, chips, beer, coordinates t-shirts, games and prizes. 1) When did it become a potluck? Don't think it's ever been a pot luck.

Potluck: Also called potluck supper, potluck dinner, potluck lunch. a meal, esp. for a large group, to which participants bring various foods to be shared.

Uh... That sounds about right. At the Spring Beanfest this year, folks also brought Mexican dishes beyond the basic beans and tortillas. It was quite the feast. :)

Potluck implies everyone attending brings something. I don't think that has ever been the case. It is a bit much for one person to handle, though, so the Bean Master usually gets some help. Otherwise, why have a Bean Master at all.

Isn't it funny how our recollections are so different?

I have lost track of how many Beanfests I have attended---since the late 1970's or early 80'a. I have always brought food or donated a couple of bucks.

A few years ago, I bragged to some friends that in all those years, I had never been beaned. Not because I am unsocial, but because we usually come in about dark. I generally thrashed about all day long and I am worked. I eat a burro, drink a couple of beers and chat with old friends. I drive about a mile from the party and go to bed. I want to climb the next day and if I stay up until the beaning then I have no motivation.

Well anyway, a few years ago, a mile was not enough. My wife, Carol and I were sound asleep in this little screen house that she made me bring along. I guess I had forgotten to explain to her how the "Beaning" works.

A strange banging woke me up. I saw torches and a conga line of climbers with bean pots. They were all drumming on their pots. Now every card carrying S. Arizona local knows not to run under those circumstances. But there is nothing quite like awakening to a bunch of guys chanting "Bean Him" and coming for you with torchs in the middle of the night. I took off running for everything I was worth. Boy, was that a bad idea. I was reamed, creamed and beaned---just like a Tombstone tar and feathering back in the day.

The Beanfeast is a big expense and requires a lot of effort. Traditionally, the sale of t-shirts have helped offset the expenses, but we owe past Beanmasters and Beanmistresses a debt of gratitude.

This fall our Beanmaster is Steve Johnson. Since being anointed Beanmaster, Steve has been laid off from work. I am not sure if he has found another job or not. He has not said anything, but I know this has made hosting the party a little frightening.

I hope we all help him out---by bringing a little something. I am sure he would appreciate it.

Thanks!

P.S. Carol reminded me to tell everyone I was not very chivalrous, when I lit out for the bushes, and left her to face the BEAN MOB and proxy beaning alone. She has not been back since.

If we could , as this gets closer set a list of what people are bringing that might help us gather stuff that you dont have before we head in. I will be stopping by the Evil Wally World before and, just like last year, will pick up any incidentals that you know you dont have - Cant wait!

I fell while climbing on July 6th in the grand canyon, and now I am unable to walk. For the 6 years I have been living in AZ. I have always had something going on during beenfest. I know it sounds lame, but now that I am gimped free time is all that I have. I was wondering what a person on crutches could do other than sit at the campground and drink which doesn't sound that bad.

shawn bradley wrote: Potluck implies everyone attending brings something. I don't think that has ever been the case. It is a bit much for one person to handle, though, so the Bean Master usually gets some help. Otherwise, why have a Bean Master at all.

Dude, if you have been going to the Beanfest the last few years and haven't brought anything, I hate to say it, but you've been doing it wrong.

While it is not a hard and fast rule, it is considered common courteously to bring something, maybe some lettuce, plates, salsa or what have you.

The Beanmaster is there to officiate the event. I.e. games, location, date, cooking equipment, beverages, shirts and so forth.

Remember this is an event by So. Az climbers celebrating So. Az climbing.

Anyone that doesn't want to bring anything can wait till I pass out, roll me over and drink whatever's left. I double dog dare ya! LOL

So when exactly is the Cochise Clean Up???

matt snider wrote:I fell while climbing on July 6th in the grand canyon, and now I am unable to walk. For the 6 years I have been living in AZ. I have always had something going on during beenfest. I know it sounds lame, but now that I am gimped free time is all that I have. I was wondering what a person on crutches could do other than sit at the campground and drink which doesn't sound that bad.

Still wondering. Is beanfest just for S AZ. climbers,or is it open for all AZ. climbers. I am a very nice guy who would bring beans to the festival. I like to interact with people. Please someone tell me whats going on.

Speaking as a newly former Tucson climber (the Tucson part is former, not the climber bit), I think you'd be more than welcome. I think they're probably even okay with *gasp* New Mexcio'ers.

Slaton Whatley wrote:So when exactly is the Cochise Clean Up???

December 12 & 13. More details soon...

matt snider wrote: Still wondering. Is beanfest just for S AZ. climbers,or is it open for all AZ. climbers. I am a very nice guy who would bring beans to the festival. I like to interact with people. Please someone tell me whats going on.

Matt, et al.: Beanfest is open to everyone. It's a S. AZ tradition, but it's been attended by folks from all over the map. That's one of the things that makes it so much fun - kind of like the group campfires at J-Tree...

Hi All,

I am not much of an internet person hence you not seeing posts from me. In my history of going to Beanfests up to six or more years ago there was a list of community climbers that was passed from Bean Master to Beanmaster that was used to coordinate the food items and other supplies that would be brought for the meal. Monetary donations were given for the beer. At some point this list disappeared and I am getting the impression that more and more fell directly to the Beanmaster at great monetary expense with the hope of return from the sale of the t-shirts. In speaking with the last many Beanmasters the cost of the beer and t-shirts is significant with the sale of the shirts barely covering the cost of these to items combined.

It's history is that of a contributory community event, my use of the word "potluck" may have not been the best choice. Though, the list of items needed in the "Official Announcement" of the Beanfest on Mountain Project pretty clearly indicated what assistance was being requested. Just to note, the shirts and beer alone cost close to $600.00.

What are you bringing: tortillas, salsa, tortilla chips, "tamales", shredded cheese, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, diced onions, etc.. A small can of beans per two or three people maybe helpful. Monetary donation would be good! There will be 3 or 4 two burner stoves with more being requested. I'm also looking for propane lanterns if you have one to lone out for the night. It is a community event.

I'm working on the games and the prizes have been committed.

What are you brining, call me 520 795-1073.

Thanks for the update, Steven. Will call. Planning to bring tamales and a Coleman gas lantern. Won it in Boy Scouts 'bout 40 years ago. :-)

Thanks Mark and Shiloh. Mark, I still have my OA sash and some Mexican Scout neckerchiefs from a Pimaree after close to 40 years.

Two burner Coleman stove; paper plates, trash bags, some lettuce, tomatos, chips, etc. And a cash donation. Good luck with job hunting.