MCCLURE — This week, the town of McClure will come alive with the sights and sounds of the 133rd Bean Soup Festival and Fair in McClure. And, of course, the delicious smells, which will linger in the air until the Bean Soup closes on Saturday.

The theme for Pennsylvania State Fairs for 2024 is “Pennsylvania Fairs: Flourishing with Opportunity – Rooted in Agriculture.”

The bean soup ladled at the Snyder County fair is rich in tradition. The country-style fair also includes amusement rides, free nightly concerts of country and oldies music, baking and other food contests, parade and the famous soup.

It is not a traditional bean soup in the sense it doesn’t contain ham but rather beans, ground beef and suet. It has certainly put McClure on the map.

“Every Fair in Pennsylvania is different, yet for everything that is unique with each fair, they all operate with the same purpose – to showcase the best that is made and grown in PA and educating their visitors about agriculture,” said Sandra Fisher, president of

the McClure Bean Soup.

“Stop by our fair and see Pennsylvania’s agriculture at its best,” Fisher added.

One thing that doesn’t change is the method of making the special soup, which has remained the star of the show for more than a century.

Each day is a different theme at the Bean Soup, which opened Sunday and crowned five contestants in different royal categories, including fair queen, during Pageant Day. The rest of the schedule includes:

Today: Kiddie Day

Free rides from 6 to 9 p.m.

Tuesday: Parade Day

The annual parade steps off at 6 p.m., with winners announced at the stage at 8 p.m. The Paxtonville Boys will also perform after the parade concludes.

Wednesday: Senior Citizens Day

Anyone age 62 and over can buy a bowl of bean soup at half-price today. The musical entertainment will be provided by Mount Union native Chris Woodward and Shindiggin, with shows at 7 and 8:30 p.m. Wednesday.

Thursday:

Veterans Day

The Mahoney Brothers perform at 7 and 8:30 p.m. Thursday.

Friday: Youth Day

All students get one bowl of bean soup at half price. Musical entertainment will be provided by Nashville recording artist, the Kenton Sitch Band at 7 p.m. Friday, with the Kentucky Headhunters, known as “Southern Rock Royalty” at 8:30 p.m. A corn hole tournament is also scheduled for 6:30 p.m., with registration at 5:30 p.m.

Saturday: Homecoming Day

Highlights include the Ole 97 Johnny Cash and June Carter Tribute Band with shows at 2:30 and 4 p.m. Sandy’s Scents Bingo is slated for 4:30 p.m. The night concludes with ’70s band Lovelace performing at 7 and 9 p.m.

Bean soup will be served every day, starting at 12 p.m.

Other highlights of the Bean Soup include chainsaw carver Jeffery Donoughe displaying his talents through Saturday.

“We would like to take this opportunity to invite you, your family, and your friends to visit our fair and take a stroll thru our exhibit hall to see how we are flourishing with opportunity and rooted in agriculture,” Fisher said.

The exhibits, concessions and entertainment will be open through Saturday, along with the amusement rides. In addition to riding the amusements free tonight, BOGO wristbands will be sold on Thursday. Bingo at the Bean Soup is slated for 4:30 p.m. every day.

Concessions open at 4:30 p.m. daily except 12 p.m. Saturday. Amusements open at 5 p.m. daily except 4:30 p.m. Saturday.

For more information, visit www.mcclurebeansoupfestival.com.