The Mahanay Memorial Carillon is ringing again! The problem with the controller has been fixed by the Verdin Company of Ohio and the bells can now chime. Each hour and quarter hour, the bells play the Westminster Chimes. Two songs are played several minutes after each hour from 8 am – 8 pm. Visitors love hearing the bells ring and the community is glad to hear them again too!
Posts tagged with: Bell Tower
Visit the Mahanay Bell Tower!
The Mahanay Bell Tower is now open daily from 10 am – 4 pm. Our friendly staff will share the story of Floyd and Dora Mahanay in our lovely lobby area. An elevator will take you to the Paul Nally Observation deck which is all enclosed with glass and air-conditioned, so easy for visitors to see the magnificent view. The Iowa countryside, Jefferson downtown, and installations of rooftop art are enjoyed by all ages. The 47 bell carillon plays throughout the day. The Westminster chimes are played each quarter hour and two songs are played after each hour from 8 am – 8 pm. Jefferson’s downtown is full of art and very pedestrian-friendly, so plan to spend the day!
Adults are just $3 and all youth age 18 and younger are free courtesy of our sponsor for 2022, the Dean & Lois McAtee Trust.
Festival is smashing success!
The 2022 Bell Tower Festival that also celebrated Jefferson’s 150th birthday was an outstanding success. The attendance at the Mahanay Bell Tower over the three days was close to 1,000 visitors. So many comments of all ages on the bells ringing, rooftop art, view from the observation deck and friendly staff members were heard throughout the weekend.
The Bell Tower Festival was coordinated through The Jefferson Matters: Main Street & Chamber’s Events Team with Dr. Philip Heisterkamp serving as the chairperson for the third year. The attendance at the festival as a whole was greater than those of recent years. Other than a few showers, the weather cooperated with mild temps and no wind! The downtown was showcased in all of its beauty to class reunions, families and friends who gathered for the annual festival.
Elementary Students Visit
In the next two weeks, just under 400 Jefferson Elementary students and their teachers will visit The Mahanay Bell Tower, Thomas Jefferson Gardens, Sally’s Alley, and the newest plaza sculptures in Downtown Jefferson. What a great way to end the school year!
