(PHOTOS BY BRENNA WHITE / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
SERVING FOOD … Saint John’s Lutheran Church serves up sizzling sausage sandwiches and root beer floats.
HOT DOGS AND MORE … The Friends of the Library hosted a hot dog stand, with lots of goodies to offer.
ENTERTAINMENT … Dean Maag & Friends entertain crowds with live music.
BEAN TASTING … The Montpelier Library sets up their own free bean tasting – along with many other organizations downtown.
(PHOTO PROVIDED / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
JUDGING … (Seated) Veterans Robert Wurm, John McDonald, Gloria Poorman and (back) Phil Hallock and Tim Friend were the selected judges of the official bean tasting.
By: Brenna White
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
publisher@thevillagereporter.com
Montpelier’s beloved Bean Days returned this weekend in full force, offering locals and visitors alike a vibrant mix of family-friendly entertainment, community activities, and plenty of beans to go around.
With events spanning Friday, July 18 through Saturday, July 19, 2025, the celebration saw packed streets, bustling Founders Park, and widespread participation from local businesses.
Friday’s festivities kicked off with traditional favorites like the St. Paul’s Methodist Basement Sale and St. John’s Lutheran Church’s sausage sandwiches.
The afternoon brought excitement to downtown’s Founders Park, where children enjoyed bounce houses, balloon art, and animal-themed games. The evening was heated up with live music by Dean Maag & Friends and a free cruise-in car show on Empire Street.
The “bucket brigade” was a water-based competition hosted by Chief Brian Fritsch and the Montpelier Fire Department, a competitive game where children raced with buckets full of water.
Highlighting the day was the ever-competitive bean tasting, with participants visiting booths around town to sample and score their favorite batches.
Judges from the Montpelier Veterans cast their votes in the official contest, including Robert Wurm, John McDonald, Gloria Poorman, Phil Hallock, and Tim Friend participating.
First place award went to Rings Pharmacy, followed by the Thompson Funeral Home and F&M Bank. Meanwhile, the People’s Choice contest drew 332 ballots, crowning Thompson Funeral Home as fan favorite with 58 votes. Fackler Monument and the Montpelier Police Department followed closely behind.
Saturday’s morning trail walk, and scavenger hunt drew over 125 participants, adding an adventurous start to the day.
From a tie-dye station with Eurobungee trampoline, children of all ages had something to enjoy. The Friends of the Library’s hot dog stand helped keep families in the field and ready to tackle everything the downtown had to offer.
The annual Bean Days parade was unfortunately cancelled due to forecasted bad weather, with talks of the music entertainment being rescheduled for another weekend.
As the festivities concluded with a Sunday morning worship at St. John’s Lutheran Church, the heart of Montpelier was full – and not just with beans.
From those who came to vote, dance, eat, or simply soak in the summer celebration, 2025’s Bean Days proved once again why it remains a cherished cornerstone of Williams County life.