The Rotary Club of Jefferson announced the winners of the 2026 Bell Tower Festival parade organized by the service club for the past 30 years.
Special emphasis on the categories for the awards this year coincided with the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States. There were 82 entries in the parade and 25 chose to be judged for awards.
Winner of the “Liberty and Greene County Legends” award recognizing the best example of local history, heritage and hometown stories was the Jefferson public library.
Winner of the most creative human-powered entry boosting community participation was the entry of the Schoolboy Soldiers of Rippey.
Winner of the Stars and Stripes Ingenuity award recognizing creative and visually striking use of red, white and blue was Raccoon River Singers, TG Karaoke, Tom’s Taxi and Wild Rose Casino.
“Despite the rainy weather, the parade was enjoyed by thousands of locals and visitors here in Jefferson to enjoy the Bell Tower Festival. The Rotary Club of Jefferson is proud to have been an important part of the event for 30 years as the organizer and sponsor of the parade,” said club president Sam Harding.
