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Chews Jefferson concerts every Wednesday

Fusebox Marketing on May 31, 2022

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

Fusebox Marketing on May 31, 2022

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.

 

Market to Market Race begins in Jefferson

Fusebox Marketing on May 18, 2022

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.

New rooftop art for 2022

Fusebox Marketing on May 18, 2022

Artist Dana Hamilton is working on his rooftop art installation on the roof of the delicious Peony Chinese Restaurant. This restaurant is located on Lincoln Way directly south of the Mahanay Bell Tower. Visitors can watch Dana work on days that the weather is cooperating from the Nally Observation Deck of the Bell Tower.

The Mahanay Bell Tower is open weekends in May from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and then daily starting Memorial Day weekend. Appointments can be made to visit the Tower by calling The Welcome Center at 515-386-2155 and a staff member will meet you there.

 

Elementary Students Visit

Fusebox Marketing on May 13, 2022

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!

Staff training

Fusebox Marketing on May 4, 2022

Two of our Mahanay Bell Tower staff members participated in the Travel Iowa Tour Guide Training Workshop offered at Camp Dodge in Johnston. Michele Harding and Shelly Berger have been on the Bell Tower tour staff for a number of years. All of our tour guides are terrific ambassadors for the community as many times they are the first impression for our visitors.

Mother’s Day weekend

Peg Raney on May 4, 2022

The Mahanay Bell Tower is open every weekend in May. Saturday & Sunday from 10 am – 4 pm. Youth are free and adults are $3.

Lois & Dean McAtee Trust sponsors youth admissions for 2022

Fusebox Marketing on May 4, 2022

The Lois and Dean McAtee Trust is the 2022 sponsor of free admission to the Mahanay Carillon Tower for all young people aged 18 and younger.  Lois McAtee is surrounded by several grandchildren and friends who will be able to experience the views from the Nally Observation Deck absolutely free. The sponsorship allows young people to see the aerial sights and learn about the power of philanthropy for community betterment.

Open for 2022 Season!

Fusebox Marketing on April 30, 2022

The Mahanay Memorial Carillon Tower will open for the 2022 season on Sunday, May 1 from 10 am – 4 pm. The Bell Tower Staff is ready to tell the story about the Mahanays and this unique bell tower. An elevator ride takes visitors to the Paul Nally Observation deck which is all glass enclosed. From there, a clear view of the surrounding countryside and the beautiful downtown always brings a lot of discussion of what can be seen.

Rooftop art has been installed on five rooftops, each with a story of their own. Another installation will begin this summer on Peony Chinese Restaurant by artist Dana Hamilton.

Of course, the 47 bells chime the Westminster Chimes throughout the day and several songs are played digitally on the bells after each hour. Visitors enjoy hearing the bells in the Tower but they can also be heard all over the community.

This unique attraction was named the 2021 Rural Tourism Attraction by Iowa Tourism. Admission is just $3 for adults and free to youth 18 and under in 2022 through a sponsorship by the Lois & Dean McAtee Trust.

Hours for the month of May are Saturday and Sunday from 10 am -4 pm. and then daily beginning Memorial Day weekend from 10 am – 4 pm. Appointments for other times can be made by calling The Welcome Center at 515-386-2155.