Tracy’s first Bean Festival 22 years ago caused a stir around town — it was something new and, for many Tracyites, quite exciting.

The evening before the festival gates opened on Saturday morning, Aug. 22, several hundred curious townspeople flocked to

the downtown, beckoned by the sound of clanging pipes as tents were erected on Central Avenue and 10th Street.

By the next morning, the downtown had been transformed into the festival grounds. All the tents were standing, and fencing had been erected around the festival area. The first California Dry Bean Festival was under way. Things kicked off early Saturday morning with the Tracy Breakfast Lions serving pancakes and runners of all abilities completing the 3½-mile fun run.

By midmorning, crowds had entered the gates. Admission was $3 for adults and $1.50 for senior citizens and children ages 5 to 13.

Three entertainment stages — International, New Orleans (jazz) and Country — offered a variety of musical fare, including some local talent.

“Bean cuisine” — served at a tent at 10th and A streets — included bay limas con queso (with cheese), garbanzos and Portuguese beans. A surprise favorite among festival-goers was bean chips.

Classic cars were on display in the Bank of America parking lot, and booths featuring food, beverages and crafts were active.

Some 850 volunteers, directed by volunteer coordinators Mayor Dick Hastie and Dorlane Thrasher, served the bean dishes and provided the services to keep the festival running.

By the end of the two days, 18,000 people had entered the festival gates, an attendance close to the projected 20,000. The festival’s expense budget of $87,000 was exceeded, and the first bean fest made money.

Planning for the inaugural California Dry Bean Festival started in November 1986, when an organizational meeting was held at the Four Corners Restaurant. The concept was to spotlight California dry beans and to provide Tracy with an annual festival. The California Dry Bean Advisory Board pledged $10,000 in seed money, and Rhodes Bean and Supply Co-op added another $3,000.

Larry Teixeira, manager of Rhodes, and Dena Fagundes, chamber manager, conducted the meeting. Soon, Bob Carruesco and Kathy “Kate” Post of Stockton-based Gamut Productions were hired to manage the first festival.

They began promoting the festival throughout Central California. Stockton artist Bill Kobus was hired to produce the first bean festival logo and poster.

One of their first recommendations to the festival board of directors was to hold the festival in downtown Tracy, which Carruesco and Post felt was a unique venue. The recommendation was accepted, and that’s where beans have been celebrated each of the past 22 years to this day.