LONG LINES FORMED an hour before the event in makeshift narrow aisles crafted from stakes and ribbon. Folks waited not for Paul Bunyan, although he was there, working the crowd. And not for Elvis, although he performed. Rather, they waited for a serving of baked beans.
This scene unfolded on Wednesday, July 14, during Bean Hole Days in Pequot Lakes, a small town in the central Minnesota lakes region. Randy and I, staying at a family member’s guest lake cabin south of nearby Crosslake, attended for the first time. And it was quite the experience. I mean that in a truly positive way. While I don’t like waiting, waiting for a generous serving of bacon-laced navy beans baked in a wood-fired pit proved well worth my time. I’ve never tasted better homemade baked beans.
The process of crafting these beans is impressive. I missed the prep and lowering of massive cast iron kettles into the ground Tuesday. But in chatting with a bean crew member on Wednesday, I learned that the 350 pounds of navy beans were soaked and partially cooked with propane before lowering the cauldrons into the pit of wood coals for overnight baking. And yes, it takes a knowledgeable team and machinery for this operation.
My bean crew source wasn’t sharing details about ingredients, with the exception of 126 pounds of bacon mixed into the beans. The special “sauce,” which definitely tastes of molasses, is a guarded secret. And that’s all right. It adds to the mystery, the intrigue.
From my observations, volunteers have this bean-baking down to a science. And they should. Bean Hole Days began in 1938 as a way for local businessmen to thank farmers for their business. Today, the focus seems more on drawing vacationers into town—to the local shops and restaurants. While waiting in line for 45 minutes, I chatted with couples from Baxter and the Twin Cities.
This event at Trailside Park is about much more than beans. It also features an arts and craft fair, a small kiddie carnival, food vendors and crowning of Bean Hole royalty. And this year free COVID-19 vaccinations.
I enjoyed chatting with vendors, mingling, watching. And photographing.
Bean Hole Days, because of its location in Pequot Lakes among lakes and pines in cabin country, reflects the Minnesota northwoods and all that entails. Fishing. The town water tower is shaped like a bobber. Paul Bunyan and Babe the Blue Ox. Paul shook hands, posed for photos and generally welcomed guests. Babe and bobber sculptures provided photo ops.
Even the kettles of beans, sponsored by area businesses, feature names connecting to the region’s heritage. Lena. Sven. Ole. And more.
As I waited in line for beans, I danced to the music of Elvis performing live. That garnered a compliment from a volunteer guiding guests to the right serving kettles. Those who purchased a 2021 Bean Hole Days mug advanced through the FAST PASS FOR GAS line. I appreciated the humor. While Randy and I didn’t buy mugs, we left a donation.
And we left full of beans and appreciative of all the people who put together this unique small town Minnesota northwoods experience.
#
Please check back for more photos from Bean Hole Days as I couldn’t possibly fit everything into a single post.
© Copyright 2021 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
How fun! And the beans sound delicious! Something to put on the calendar for next summer. Thanks!
Bean Hole Days is a lot of fun. Yes, you must attend.
How fun! Looks like a great time and I’d sure love to taste those beans! 🙂
Oh, Penny, you would love this event.
I think they actually crown some lucky person Miss Bean Hole. Not sure I would be anxious for that title in my resume.
I expect it’s a much coveted title. BTW, we had hoped to catch the turtle races in Nisswa after Bean Hole Days. But we couldn’t find a place to park anywhere in town. Next time.
Bean Hole Days sounds like a gas!
Ever the wordsmith. I appreciate your humorous comment.
I forwarded this to my friend whose cabin is near Crosslake. Sounds like a fun time.
It was. I bet your friend has attended Bean Hole Days.
That is quite a process to cook those beans which, by the way, look delicious.
Yes, it’s a lot of work. And, yes, they were delicious.
Another wonderful post, Audrey. I wish I could have experienced it first hand and tasted the beans but your writing took me along with you.
Thank you, Ruth. I know you would have appreciated this event and those delicious beans.