Emerald County: There’s no place like home around the square
Bell Tower Festival organizers are reminding us that “there is no place like home” as area residents and visitors enjoy the festivities, events and activities that are happening this “Emerald” year of the Bell Tower Festival.
“We are happy to see the out-of-town vendors that return every year. We hope they feel at home when they come to Greene County,” said Chamber executive director for tourism and events Chris Henning. “We know we have many entrepreneurs that call Greene County home, and we hope they think there’s no place like home to do business. Whatever the products are, we’ll have a great mix for Festival goers.”
The Information Booth, manned by staff and volunteers for the Chambers will be at Wilson and Lincoln Way. The official Emerald County: There’s no place like home T-Shirts and other memorabilia will be available there. Maps and a Merchants Guide will be available. The first aid center, staffed by Greene County Medical Center, will be at the east entrance to the courthouse.
Many downtown merchants are putting finishing touches on their own displays, both inside and outside: Printer’s Box, Homestead Bakery, and Greene Bean Coffee all have special events planned. Whether it is a LEGO® build, a great cup of coffee, a sweet treat or a special souvenir, a trip around the district is definitely warranted.
Returning vendors and some new ones make a great mix of products and fun. Iowa Henna returns this year for Festival-goers. There will also be Tupperware, personalized benches and hand crafted items, sports cards and sports memorabilia. New vendors include Night Light Designs, night lights using photographs; Bee Mindful brings us home grown honey, soaps and more; and a mini-Greene County Grows Farmers Market will be on hand Saturday afternoon.
The Kiwanis will be on the southwest corner near the Bell Tower and be serving up their special tenderloins and brats – the Cattlemen will also be on hand with everything beef! Food selections range of food vendors from Kettle Corn to Soul food, Blooming Onions to barbecue. The Masons will offer free watermelon after the parade.
And for all the kids, age 2 to teens (and those brave and small enough to qualify as such) Hop-A-Lot Inflatables, with unlimited hopping fun for the weekend for each bracelet purchased, will be strategically placed. Parents will have a chance to shop while the kids Hop! A LOT!
For a brief respite, there are free movies, bowling, cold beverages and hot food in air-conditioned comfort at Sierra Community Theatre, Doc’s Stadium, Metro Club, Breadeaux Pizza, Peony Restaurant and Pizza Ranch and Spare Time Lanes.
Vendors are asked to be available for business Friday, June 13, from 3 to 9 pm and/or Saturday, June 14, from 9 am to 8 pm. Set up will begin at 10 am Friday for vendors with trailers or trucks, and at noon for other vendors.
During the Festival, staff can be contacted at the Information Booth or by text or cell: 515-370-5753. More information for vendors is available at www.BellTowerFestival.org or by calling the Greene County Chamber office at 515-386-2155.
