We are now under one month left until the 40th annual Bell Tower Festival celebration in Jefferson.

Chair Pete Russell says lots more entertainment and plans are happening for the festival’s theme of “Retro with a Twist.” Russell says they are planning a family-friendly environment on the downtown square with a new concept of “Downtown at Sundown.”

“Just start Friday night out with a bang. We’re going to have some live music which is Hawk McIntyre and the Dueling Pianos. But also we’re going to be doing the bags tournament with the (Jefferson) Parks and Rec (Department), and we also have some blow-ups for the kids to do. So we all can be just in this nice little area and it’s going to be fun, we’re to have games, we can talk. Opening ceremonies is on Friday night and we will have our Tower of Fame announced at that time.”

Some other new aspects for Saturday of the festival include an “Arrive Alive Tour” sponsored by Jefferson Telecom with a simulator for those to find out what it’s like to text and drive in certain situations and a History 101 of Iowa traveling exhibit sponsored by the Greene County Historical Society. There will also be a mascot competition, featuring college mascots like the Drake University bulldog.  

Russell adds that volunteers are still needed for various areas. There are also vendor and parade applications available at the Thomas Jefferson Gardens Education and Welcome Center. The Bell Tower Festival is June 7th through the 9th.