Since 1959, the McCleary Bear Festival has been an important part of the small town of McCleary, WA. Organized by a non-profit group of volunteers this community event features a grand parade, family entertainment, a softball tournament, car show, soapbox derby, and of course the famous Bear Festival stew*. The McCleary Bear Festival welcomes visitors from all over the country to enjoy the fun of an old-fashioned, small-town festival. More info: McCleary Bear Festival
Bear meat is obtained through the Fish and Wildlife Department, where hunters apply and receive permits for the nuisance wildlife program that require specific State mandated regulations to be followed. 100+ pounds of meat go into the stew with a small portion of that being beef if there is a lack of bear meat that season. There are also hundreds of pounds of potatoes, carrots, onions and a large kettle of “special” spicy sauce cooked just right with seasonings that are added just before serving that is prepared by community volunteers. The stew is cooked in enormous iron kettles on stoves in the City Park kitchen by volunteer fire fighters. This is one case where too many chefs don’t spoil the stew, for it takes about 40 people to handle the cooking chores; McCleary Fire Department taking ’round the clock shifts watching and stirring and adding the right ingredients at the right time to make the stew just right. The menu also calls for a ton of watermelon, 3,000 rolls, and baked beans by the kettles full. It is served immediately following the Grand Parade, which always starts at 12:00 noon on Saturday.
You might also like: Our big list of annual food festivals (greaterseattleonthecheap.com)
