2014 Festival of the Bells kicks off

The 30th annual Hillsboro Festival of the Bells is officially under way, as members of the Festival committee conducted opening ceremonies at 5 p.m. Thursday.

The ceremony began with the national anthem performed by Christopher Ford.

Committee president Michael Bradford introduced the Festival of the Bells committee members, including Lindsay Bender, Bev Carroll, Nyhla Carey, Chuck Emery, Nick Fauber, Mary Fent, Norman Fent, Mary Grooms, Scott Miller, Charlie Wallingford, Debbie Wallingford, Ronnie Whitenack, Connie Williams and Rick Williams.

Bradford thanked the sponsors of this year's event for their support.

Bob and Dorothy Hodson, who were instrumental in the founding of the first Festival of the Bells 30 years ago, each spoke briefly about the Festival and their appreciation for its continued success.

"It's a lot of hard work, but it's also a lot of fun," Mrs. Hodson said. "I say thank you to all of you who are supporting this, and I just want to say keep it up, because this is very special to have a town this size have the Festival of the Bells."

Mr. Hodson thanked the committee for their efforts.

"I do commend these people who work year after year after year, whether a new member or whether an old member," he said. "Like all good things, nothing happens without somebody's effort."

Mrs. Hodson performed the ceremonial ringing of the bell to signify the Festival's beginning.

Thursday night's festivities are set to include the annual parade, beginning at 7 p.m., and two concerts. The HCC Trio will perform at 8 p.m., followed by Christian headliner Francesca Battistelli at 9 p.m.