The annual Bell Tower Festival won’t look like previous festivals, but the one-day event, slated for Saturday, Aug. 29, will include most people’s favorite part – the parade – sponsored by the Rotary Club of Jefferson.
All area businesses and organizations, churches, political groups, and anyone who wants to be in a parade is invited to be part of the Bell Tower Festival Parade Saturday, Aug. 29.
The parade will step off from the Greene County Middle School (formerly the high school) parking lot at 11 am and follow the traditional route north on Chestnut St to Lincoln Way. The parade will turn west to continue past the courthouse and the Mahanay Memorial Carillon Tower, and then turn south on Vine St and disband at the former middle school.
Parade entries can choose to be judged in one of three competition categories: commercial, non-commercial, or thematic. This year’s Festival theme, “Bell Tower Block Party” offers many possibilities. The Rotary Club will provide plaques for the winning entry in each category.
Rotarians remind entries that safety is of utmost importance. The Rotary Club and Festival organizers reserve the to remove immediately anyone deemed to be acting in an unsafe manner during the parade. Throwing candy, trinkets or papers is not allowed, nor is handing items to parade attendees. Anyone walking with an entry is strongly encouraged to wear a face mask, as well as attendees.
Large trucks and floats with obstructed views must provide walking parade participants to help with safe navigation. Horse entries will be allowed in the parade only if they have their own clean-up crew following them during the parade.
Parade entry forms are available at the Jefferson Chamber and Main Street office at 201 E. Lincoln Way in Jefferson or on the Festival Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BellTowerFestival/. Entry forms should be returned to the Chamber office no later than Thursday, Aug. 27, at 4 pm
