As the 2018 Bell Tower Festival kicks off today with several activities, there’s even more to do on Saturday.
The day begins with the Jefferson Fire Department serving breakfast at the fire station from 6 to 10am. The Jefferson Parks and Rec Ding Dong Dash starts at 8am at the Greene County Community Center. Then the free carnival starts up at 9am and runs until 9pm. Another highlight is the Jefferson Rotary Parade at 11am, followed by the plaza stage entertainment on the southside of the courthouse. Acts that are included are: the Rhythm Room Dancers, Elite Tumblers, Rick Morain playing Tower Tunes and the Town and Country Band. The Bill Riley Talent Show will start at 5pm.
Other afternoon activities include the spelling bee at 2pm at the community center, the trivia contest at 3pm at Jefferson City Hall, the Show and Shine Car Show at 11am at the corner of State and Vine streets, the Motorcycle Show at noon at People’s Bank’s parking lot and the Antique Tractor Show at 12:30pm at Home State Bank’s parking lot. A new feature to the festival are two touring religious rock groups: 70xForgiven and Ammunition bands. Greene County Chamber Interim Director Michael Reese says this is the first time, with his history of the festival, that religious groups will perform.
“But this should generate a lot of people coming in from outside the county. They usually have a very good showing. Again I wanted to make sure that we’re stressing family fun, and that it’s affordable, and we just want everybody to come here and have fun.”
The groups will perform from 3 to 5:30pm around the square and tickets are $10 per person. The evening entertainment is highlighted by headliner Arch Allies, in the beverage garden with. Bell Tower Festival Chair Emily Neese encourages all adults to check them out.
“They’re really great. They play REO Speedwagon, Journey, Styx and who doesn’t like that type of music. Any age group can enjoy their music. And they’re really nice guys and they’ve got a cool light show for you also. They’ve just got it all.”
Plus Raccoon Valley Radio’s Big Red Radio will be there broadcasting live on Saturday from 9am to 6pm. We will also play music and make local announcements. To hear more about the festival, listen to today’s Community State Bank in Paton Let’s Talk Greene County Program.