Anyone within earshot of downtown Jefferson has been hearing the Westminster Chimes ring regularly, at each quarter hour. Currently the Mahanay Memorial Bell Tower has only five bells producing the melodious tones and chiming the hours, but that is all about to change in the next few days. The 15 bells that have been displayed in the courthouse case made the short trip to the bell tower with new strikers and painting and electrical work is being done in the space before the bells will be installed. The Verdin Company of Cincinnati, Ohio, is transporting the remaining 27 bells and they are expected to arrive in Jefferson today (Thursday). With a total of 47 bells, the Mahanay Bell Tower will now boast a four-octave carillon that is played through a digital keyboard. Construction will require that parking on the courthouse square near the tower be blocked off, and there may be times the tower is closed to visitors. Everyone is encouraged, however, to come watch the work and share any pictures or videos to the Mahanay Bell Tower Facebook page or on Instagram and Twitter. The annual Bell Tower Festival is also coming up soon, with Rick Morain playing two live concerts on Friday, June 9 at 6:15 p.m. and again Saturday, June 10 at 3:15 p.m. There are plans underway for daily live concerts called “Tower Tunes” from 12:15 p.m. to 12:30 p.m. starting Sunday, June 11 and continuing throughout the summer.
