2023 Festival of the Bells underway as Christian artist Micah Tyler kicks off concert slate

After heavy downpours and high winds earlier in the day, the weather cleared and the 2023 Festival of the Bells kicked off Thursday, July 6 with a packed crowd enjoying the return of the Christian music night to the first day of the festival, as contemporary Christian artist Micah Tyler took the stage.

Held at Hillsboro’s Crossroads Park for the second straight year, the midway opened Thursday with a variety of vendors, crafts, rides and food options, as the area quickly filled with people once the weather improved.

The Festival of the Bells Committee conducted the opening ceremonies at 6 p.m., a little later than originally planned. Committee chairman Tom Zile told The Highland County Press that there was damage to tents and to the sound system area during the storm, and they had to set things back up Thursday evening.

Zile welcomed the crowd and encouraged them to take advantage of all of the activities being offered Thursday, Friday and Saturday, as well as visiting the food and craft vendors.

“We are excited about what’s going to take place here over the next three days,” Zile said. “We want you to be a part of as much as the festival as you can.

“There’s so much — so much — for you and your family to do.”

Zile also thanked the Festival of the Bells committee, the City of Hillsboro and all of the visitors to the festival.

“We want to thank the City of Hillsboro,” Zile said. “They have been outstanding in helping us get things ready this year and providing all the things that they have done.

“Thank you for being here, and enjoy yourselves.”

Along with Zile, the 2023 festival committee includes Tiffany McCoy, Taylor Eversole, Jodi Murarescu, Diana Setty, Tara Pendell, Alex Butler, John Willis, Mary Rhodes, Dustin Siders and Mirl Willey.

Also recognized were the sponsors of this year’s festival, including the stage sponsors, First State Bank, Merchants National Bank and NCB.

Brian Robinson, Festival of the Bells Christian concert organizer, pointed out that “God brought out the sunshine” in time for the evening’s concerts as he introduced both the evening’s headliner Tyler and opening act The Patricks, a bluegrass gospel band.

The park was filled with lawn chairs as Tyler brought a high-energy performance, opening with his song “Praise the Lord” and continuing to sing a variety of his hits, including “Amen,” “Never Been A Moment,” “The Flood,” “Even Then” and his number-one single “I See Grace.”

Tyler also engaged the crowd in various call and response songs, splitting the crowd into what he called “two choirs” to sing parts of “Praise the Lord,” and even directed them in his version of “choreography” for another song.

In addition to the concerts, the Highland County Firefighters Association sponsored a parade in the uptown Hillsboro area Thursday evening with the theme “America Through the Decades.”

The festival continues Friday, July 7 and Saturday, July 8. A human fooseball tournament will open Friday’s events at 11 a.m. (registration starts at 10 a.m.), with food and craft booths opening at 10 a.m. Rides open at 3 p.m. Events throughout the day include bingo, a kids’ coloring contest, a battle of the banks, a performance by illusionist Jake Lindsey and an armed services and veteran recognition ceremony.

Blue Steel takes the stage Friday evening at 7 p.m., followed by country music artist Thomas Mac performing in concert at 9 p.m.

On Saturday, there is a busy schedule of activities, beginning with a 5K run/walk at 8 a.m. (registration at 7 a.m.). At 9:30 a.m., a 3-on-3 basketball tournament will begin at the Railroad Street Park (registration starts at 9 a.m.).

At 10 a.m., there will be several simultaneous activities kicking off with the pet parade (registration starts at 9:30 a.m.), cornhole tournament (registration starts at 9 a.m.) and the Highland County Historical Society’s annual Pioneer Day at the Scott House all starting at the same time.

Later in the morning, a kids dash will start at 10:30 a.m. (registration at 10:15 a.m.).

At 11 a.m., rides will open, while a car show (registration starts at 10 a.m.) and the baby parade (registration at 10:30 a.m.) will begin. Car show awards will be presented at 3 p.m.

In the afternoon, a “Festival’s Got Talent” competition will begin at 1 p.m., and a scavenger hunt will be held starting at 4 p.m.

Following the annual Festival of the Bells auction at 8 p.m., the event ends with headliner and country music artist Bryce Leatherwood, the 2022 winner of “The Voice,” performing at 9 p.m.

The complete schedule can be found at: https://www.thefestivalofthebells.com/schedule.