The Plaza Stage on the south side of the courthouse will offer plenty of free entertainment this weekend during FIFTY Fest, the 37th annual Bell Tower Festival.
The Rivieras will kick off the fun with a free performance on the plaza Friday at 6 pm. Their rock-n-roll will lead into FIFTY Fest’s opening ceremonies at 7 pm. Sponsors will be recognized and the Bell Tower of Fame Award will be presented to Dean McAtee, entrepreneur, community leader and owner of McAtee Tire and Service Center.
“We have a line-up that includes something for everyone,” said Greene County Chamber tourism and events coordinator Angie Pedersen. “We hope to see a lot of people enjoying the talent that will be showcased on the Plaza Stage.”
Plaza Stage entertainment begins Saturday at 12:30 pm, following the parade, with a performance by students from the Rhythm Room dance studio.
The Town & Country Band will play a variety of music starting at 1:45. The multi-generation band rehearses in Churdan but includes musicians from all over Greene County and beyond.
The music becomes vocal with the newly-formed Greene County Singers at 3 pm. The group also includes musicians from all over the county. This will be the first Plaza Stage performance for the mixed group.
Comedy magician Jonathan May will perform at 3:30. Area children are familiar with May’s special entertainment as he has performed as part of the county library’s summer reading programs.
The winner of a quilt raffled by the St Joseph Catholic Church women will be announced at 4:15 pm, and dancers from Prairie Blue Creative Arts will perform at 4:30.
The Bill Riley Talent Search begins at 5 pm. The Chamber welcomes Bolton & Menk as new sponsor of the Festival favorite. The talent search is expected to last until about 7 pm.
The Bell Tower Festival this year salutes the 50th anniversary of the Mahanay Memorial Carillon Tower. The festival is planned by the Greene County Chamber, with financial assistance from golden sponsors Wild Rose Casino, Peoples Trust & Savings Bank, Home State Bank, Jefferson Telecom, A & W Family Restaurant and Bolton & Menk, and other generous sponsors.
