Community pride is at its best at the Bell Tower Festival! While it is coordinated through the Jefferson Area Chamber of Commerce office, most of the work is carried out by volunteers. Celebrating the community’s most visible and unique tourist attraction, the Mahanay Memorial Bell Tower, the Festival was set in motion by a group of volunteers in 1980. Most of the events take place on the town square, right under the Bell Tower.

The Bell Tower Festival has been the host of many interesting and unique activities. Since the Festival’s inception, the Tower of Fame Award has been given to accomplished people around the world who have Greene County roots. Pac Man contests, races up the stairs of the bell tower, ear corn throwing contests, and hospital bed races all speckle the history of the festival schedule of events. The Saturday morning parade is a time-honored tradition that draws entries and spectators from all over the county and the region.

Live performances have entertained countless crowds over the years at the Plaza Stage. Adults over 21 have enjoyed bands and disc jockeys at the Bistro on both Friday and Saturday nights while those looking for peace and quiet at the end of the day have turned to stargazing in a local park. Kids of all ages have worn themselves out on the amusement rides and at the Kid’s Olympics. And everyone enjoys the booth vendors that line the square selling their wares and great “fair" food. To see what is being planned for this year’s festival, check out the “schedule" section of this website.