October Hours

The Mahanay Bell Tower is open at regular hours on Saturdays and Sundays during the month of October. The hours are 10 am – 4 pm with our staff providing a wonderful tour. The elevator will take visitors to the observation deck. The autumn colors are beautiful and you are able to see for miles! The rooftop art is so unique and guests love experiencing the installations. The 47 bells play the Westminster Chimes at each quarter hour and also play several songs after each hour from 8 am – 8 pm.

Bells Are Ringing!

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!

Bells temporarily quiet

The computer that plays the carillon at the regular times at each hour and quarter hour had some difficulties so it was sent to the Verdin Company for repair. Because of that, the bells can not be played. We apologize to the community and visitors and hope that the repair can be handled quickly.

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.

Bell Tower Festival 2022

The Bell Tower Festival is ready to kick into gear for this weekend. The theme coincides with the 150th Sesquicentennial of Jefferson. Activities begin on the square on Thursday night with a fundraiser Dinner Party and continue throughout the weekend.

Check out this website for a full schedule of events and sign-ups for all of the activities. www.belltowerfestival.com

The Bell Tower Festival also offers info on Facebook & Instagram.

Chews Jefferson concerts every Wednesday

Chews Jefferson is a Wednesday lunch event for the summer.  It will begin on Wednesday, June 1 and continue each week through the end of August.  Residents and visitors are encouraged to order take-out lunch from the many restaurants in Jefferson, and enjoy a Tower Tunes Live concert downtown.  A variety of Mahanay Maestros will be playing live each Wednesday from 12:15 – 12:30 p.m.  Each will select their own playlist.  The lunch and the music will be a treat for all to enjoy!  

This popular event is a promotion coordinated with Jefferson Matters: A Main Street & Chamber Community and the Bell Tower Community Foundation.  

Annual Bell Tower Festival begins June 9 – 11

The annual Bell Tower Festival will also be the 150th Sesquicentennial for the City of Jefferson! Festivities kick off on Thursday, June 9 with a new fundraising street dinner. The festival is full of events, music, and hosts many class reunions on Friday, June 10 – Saturday, June 11.

Schedule of events

A full slate of activities planned is available at belltowerfestival.com or follow on Facebook at Bell Tower Festival or Instagram at Bell Tower Festival.

 

Bike Ride Around Greene (BRAG)

The second annual Bike Ride Around Greene started on Lincoln Way near the Mahanay Bell Tower on Saturday, May 28, 2022. Over 100 riders took part in the 40+ mile ride with stops along with the way.

Market to Market Race begins in Jefferson

The famous Market to Market Relay race returned to Central Iowa on Saturday, May 14. Teams of 6-8 runners took off from Lincoln Way in Jefferson under the Mahanay Bell Tower. Heats started at 5:30 am and the last heat took off at 8:30 am. Runners followed the Raccoon River Bike Trail to Waukee throughout the day.