The Wayne City Ruritan Bean Days, an annual multi-day community festival celebrating local pride, tradition, and community spirit, included a parade, a Miss Bean Queen pageant, and a free ham and beans lunch. The celebration, hosted by the Wayne City Ruritans, also featured a 5K run, a craft fair, a car and truck show, and a block party.  

The first event in the multi-day festival included the Miss Bean Queen Pageant, where high school students competed to be crowned Bean Queen. Participant Jacey Smith said, “The Bean Queen Pageant was a great experience for young women. It gave us our time to shine. I was not expecting to get Second Runner Up, but I am extremely thankful and proud of all the girls who participated.”

Wayne City’s 5K Color Run on September 26 gave kids and adults alike the chance to get involved in Bean Days festivities on Friday evening. Sweeties hosted a block party immediately after the 5K for everyone to come to Sweeties to enjoy music and sweet treats.

The Bean Days Parade kicked off September 27 at 11:00 a.m. Many people participated in the parade with some school groups participating as well. The cheer squad, FFA, and band participated, among other groups. Floats, vehicles, businesses, animals, and participated in the parade, with prizes awarded for overall best of show, best float, business entry, and school band. The parade also included horse entries as well. Entries were judged on several criteria, including creativity, adherence to the theme, craftsmanship, and overall appearance. 

Following the parade, many participants made their way to the many vendor booths lining the streets. Vendors sold fair foods and drinks as well as crafts and other items. The FFA had a Sweet Tea booth to earn money for National Convention. The junior class sold discount cards to raise money for their senior class trip as well.