What started out as a political fund-raiser three decades ago for Bill McBee, then Democratic candidate for the 60th District, has become one of the biggest charity events in Northern Kentucky. McBee was elected in 1973 and served 19 years as representative.

McBee, a Burlington resident, said the event has raised between $90,000 and $100,000 in past years. He expected to raise about as much this year.

Redwood School and Rehabilitation Center, Boone Adult Work Activity Center and Special Olympics of Northern Kentucky are the benefactors of the Bean Bash.

"The event helps many people with disabilities," said McBee, who has a disabled son. "One-hundred percent goes to the organizations."

Tim Wagner, a volunteer with Special Olympics of Northern Kentucky, said he has been involved with Special Olympics for 25 years, either as a coach, board member or fund-raiser. Wagner's daughter, Vicki, is mentally disabled.

Wagner said the organization gets no money from the United Way or tax dollars.

"This means our kids do their events for free," he said.

Special Olympics Program Director Mark Staggs said the funding helps serve 900 Special Olympians in the Northern Kentucky chapter.

"It's just a fun event, and people here have fun doing it," he said.

John and Janet Middleton of Edgewood have been attending the bash for the past several years. John is a former board president for Redwood. Aside from mingling and checking out auction items, the couple said they look forward to one thing.

"The bean soup is great," John said.

McBee said the music and activities also give people something to enjoy.

"It's not a political thing anymore, like it used to be," he said.

Staggs said event planners allow no political handouts and the event was "more kids' games and having fun."

However, state Sen. Dan Mongiardo of Hazard, the Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate, attended with campaign workers - some of whom were handing out stickers for Sen. John Kerry.

"They come because this is where people are," McBee said.

E-mail aremke@enquirer.com