Messenger photos by Dedra Cordle The hot temperatures could not deter the droves of people from attending the Historic Hilltop Bean Dinner Festival. On June 29, hundreds of residents throughout the area and the surrounding communities came out to Westgate Park to experience the event that dates back to the Civil War. In addition from the mass consumption of beans and cornbread, attendees were also treated to live music, attractions and local artists selling their goods. Here are some scenes captured at the annual event. Westside resident Joseph Benson, 14, prepares to plate the cornbread for hungry attendees.Dan McKean models the horseless carriage on display. The vehicle, which is operational at a brisk pace of seven miles per hour, was hand-built by westside siblings Steve and Jeff Wasem. Steve Wasem said it was modeled after a carriage from the 1880s and includes parts from that era, as well as more modern parts from lawn mowers and other appliances.A Camp Chase memorial was on display at the festival. Shown here is an officer’s tent, which was constructed by members of the Ohio Historical Impressionist Organization.Adrian Pastran, 5, gets the hang of the bubble pool.Jamie Northrup, a student at Central Crossing High School, stirs the beans at the festival. Northrup said he and his fellow members of the school’s NJROTC were volunteering at the all-day event.Emery Buchanan, left, and Hudson Gourley, right, prepare to launch water balloons during a fierce fight to cool down.Ethan Mechura, 4, enjoys the inflatable attractions.
