Bean & Bacon Days History

Since the very birth of Augusta in 1856, a spirit of celebration has been brewing! What started as Independence Day gatherings at First Ward Park as early as 1900 blossomed into a full-fledged annual tradition. The centennial celebration in 1956 sparked the creation of the Augusta Wisconsin Centennial Grand Parade, a beloved event that continues to thrill crowds year after year through its rural traditions.

In 1976, the festivities exploded into the multi-day Bean & Bacon Days festival! Imagine a vibrant celebration filled with a spectacular parade, exciting sports tournaments, a dazzling pageant, and the mouthwatering aroma of our famous charcoal chicken. This success led the Bi-Centennial Committee, in partnership with the Augusta Lions Club, to officially establish the annual Bean & Bacon Days and the Grand Parade – a true testament to our community spirit.

Our deep-rooted connection to beans goes even further! Bush Brothers, the renowned makers of Bush's Baked Beans, have been a supportive part of Augusta since acquiring the local canning factory in 1961. Embracing our unique name, we've even added the wildly popular Bean Wrestling, now a major highlight of the event!

Driven by passion, Carol & Bob Peuse, alongside the Augusta Lions Club, took the reins in 1983, ensuring the beloved tradition continued after the Bi-centennial Committee's disbandment.

Today, the Grand Parade is a spectacle you won't want to miss! Ranked the #2 parade in Wisconsin by Tripping.com, this 1.5-hour extravaganza features over 100 dazzling units. From the precision of the Zor Shriners to the elegance of local queen floats, the nostalgia of classic cars, the majesty of horses and wagons, the spirit of local clubs, and the stirring sounds of marching bands. It's a parade that rivals any big city's, with a personal rural touch crowds adore.

But the fun doesn't stop there! Bean & Bacon Days also features 5 days of activities including  the roaring Burnout Competition, the nostalgic Augusta Car Show, the thrilling Demolition Derby, and the high-octane Burnout Competitions. Plus, enjoy captivating horse pull competitions, charming stagecoach rides, and fantastic live music throughout the festival. To this day we continue the old fashioned flair from the original 1976 event, honoring those who conceived the event and highlighting rural community and hospitality.