Stirring Up Beans, Holiday Bliss At The 30th Mutz Bean Feed

Sonora, CA — Even the sun turned out in downtown Sonora so as not to miss Galen “Mutz” Mutzner’s 30th annual Bean Feed. Now that he is in his 90’s he says he hopes after today to turn over his serving spoon to a new host.

Clarke Broadcasting caught up with “Mutz” ahead of of the lunchtime launch at high noon, where he shared his thoughts on the day and his sense of gratitude for his community, as shown here. At noontime the waiting line stretched back before Coffill Park as locals, many dressed or accessorized for the holidays, stood and chatted with their neighbors.

It was 30 years ago on a Friday before Christmas that Mutz set up a pot on the sidewalks of downtown Sonora and began serving up a bean lunch for free to anyone who came by and wanted them. The loosely organized rain or shine event eventually morphed into one of the city’s most endearing and popular holiday happenings, heartily supported by volunteers. To view images and a street-view video click into the image box.