57th Annual Cataract Bean Festival returns Oct. 2–4
Preparations are officially underway for the 57th annual Cataract Bean Festival, inviting the community to downtown Cataract in northwestern Owen County from Friday, Oct. 2 through Sunday, Oct. 4. As the single largest annual fundraiser for the Cataract Volunteer Fire Department, this beloved three-day autumn tradition supplies the bulk of the department's operating budget, making it the essential lifeline that keeps station doors open and emergency trucks pumping water.
The department relies on the annual Cataract Bean Dinner for 60 percent of its funding year-to-year, with most of the annual operating budget coming directly from this first weekend of October event. The next largest source of revenue comes from a portion of community tax dollars equal to $18,000 a year. Covering 1,750 residents, this tax allocation averages out to about $10 a year per person, according to information found on the department’s website. These vital funds are required to keep station doors open, maintain water-pumping trucks, and support community outreach and education, with organizers emphasizing that a successful event is essential for the department to continue assisting the community during emergencies.
The festival features fire department serving hours on Friday from noon to 8 p.m., Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. The traditional menu includes over 850 pounds of ham and beans, along with on-site vendors selling items such as BBQ, ice cream, burgers, pizza, kettle corn, tacos, coneys, fried vegetables, and Mexican food. The event also hosts over 125 vendor booths featuring tools, crafts, art, antiques, jewelry, and shirts, alongside a shuttle service running for 2026.
Organizers are actively seeking additional vendors and sponsors for the upcoming festival. Individuals interested in becoming a vendor, securing a sponsorship, or volunteering can find more information by visiting the official website at www.cataractfire.com, contacting the department via email at cataractbeandinner@yahoo.com, or calling 765-720-8178.
