Hilltop Bean Dinner

This West Side summer festival has roots in post-​Civil War reunions of veterans, when they’d gather over a bean social. Interestingly, the dinner is held in West Gate Park, which happens to be on the grounds of a former Civil War P.O.W. Camp, called Camp Chase.
The Hilltop Business Association resurrected the Bean Dinner tradition in 1981 and this daylong summer festival has since turned into a huge neighborhood shindig, drawing folks from all over town. The festival includes live music, arts and craft vendors, children’s’ activities and of course– BEANS! And corn bread. And fried PB&J sandwiches.
A classic car show is held in conjunction with the dinner and the Historical Society offers walking tours of Camp Chase Cemetery.