Hundreds of people attended the 36th Annual Bell Tower Festival in Jefferson.

Bell Tower: Big Top’s opening ceremonies were on Friday and Rippey resident Roy Bardole was honored with the Bell Tower of Fame Award.  The fifth generation farmer was recognized for his state, national and international achievements in the soy industry.  He talked about receiving the award.

“To be recognized in your own community is one of the rarest and most special things that there is.  It’s a real honor and I’m truly humbled by it.”

Bell Tower Festival Coordinator Angie Pedersen says 200 ticket sheets were purchased in advance for the carnival rides.  During the parade, coordinator David Jaskey said there were 87 entries.  He added that Genesis Development won the award for best themed float, Home State Bank won the best commercial float and the Jefferson Public Library won the best non-commercial float award.

Saturday night’s entertainment was PopROCKS from Minneapolis, Minnesota.  One of the founding members, J-Bone, said he enjoys performing at small town festivals like the Bell Tower Festival.

“I grew up in a small town in northwest Montana.  So it’s really similar to where I grew up.  I love these small town festivals.  I love the people here, and they are always welcoming.  And everybody in a small town how to come out and party and have a good time.”

This year’s festival had 27 businesses and organizations as sponsors.