The Plaza Stage will be the hub for activities as Bell Tower Festival organizers welcome munchkins of all ages to celebrate Iowa’s Emerald County: There’s no place like home. The schedule follows:
Friday, June 13
6 pm – Flag Ceremony sponsored by the Elks Lodge on the Bell Tower Plaza.
6:50 – Presentation of the Colors by the VFW and American Legion Post #9599
7:00 – Opening Ceremonies and the Tower of Fame Award presentation
8:00 – Reception for the Award winner in the courthouse rotunda.
Saturday, June 14
12:30 pm – The Isiserettes, after the parade. This wonderfully entertaining group will march in the parade as well as give Festival-goers an encore of their unique rhythms and dance moves.
1:00 – “Elite Tumbling,” directed and coached by Rona Crook, will “wow” the audience with tumbling and trampoline skills. The tumblers will perform on Lincoln Way. The Elite Tumbling Team will be finishing up its season at the national competition later this June.
1:50 – Community Betterment will be present the Community Betterment Award.
2:00 – Rotary Pavilion dedication at Thomas Jefferson Gardens, at the corner of Chestnut and Lincoln Way, in the Thomas Jefferson Gardens. The Town and Country Band will perform.
2:30 – Prairie Blue Creative Arts Dancers make their debut on the Plaza Stage.
3:00 – “Anthem Across America” – Our National Anthem celebrates its 200th year. Festival-goers will join with the rest of America in celebration, singing the Star Spangled Banner with the Mahanay Bell Tower carillon accompanying those gathered around the Bell Tower Plaza.
3:15 – Bell Tower recognition, awards and appreciation. In reality, there is more to the Bell Tower Festival than “…that man behind the curtain…” It takes courage, heart, a bit of intellect and a lot of team work to make the Bell Tower Festival a success each year.
3:45 – St. Joseph Catholic women’s guild announces the winner of its quilt raffle. The name of the quilt this year is “Winter Lilies.” It is a queen size quilt and it is now on display in the window of The Printers Box. Material for the quilt was donated by Jean Finch and the quilt was made by Linda Pedersen. It will be on display in the courthouse and raffle tickets will be available through 3:30 pm.
4:00 – Rhythm Room Dancers round out the hometown talent and special tributes Saturday afternoon.
5:00 – The Bill Riley Talent Show, another Festival highlight, will bring the Plaza Stage entertainment to a close for the weekend. The Bill Riley Talent Show is hosted and sponsored by Greene County Farm Bureau.
