2016 Festival of the Bells kicks off in uptown Hillsboro
Lead Summary
By
Caitlin Forsha-crforsha@gmail.com
The 2016 Festival of the Bells is officially under way, as Festival of the Bells committee president Michael Bradford and fellow committee members kicked off the annual event in uptown Hillsboro shortly after 5 p.m.
The Highland County Boy Scouts presented the colors, followed by a medley including the national anthem, “God Bless America” and “Jesus Loves Me” performed by the Highland County Children’s Choir.
Pastor Eric Swenson of the Hillsboro First Baptist Church offered the opening prayer for the festival. Members of the church’s praise team are scheduled to open for Building 429 at 7:45 p.m. Thursday evening.
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Bradford thanked the numerous Festival of the Bells committee members on stage: Nyhla Rothwell Carey; Beverly Carroll; Sara Carroll, who Bradford said was unable to attend due to the birth of her son; Mary Fent; Norman Fent; Justin Harsha; Abby Hilterbrand; Tara Pendell; Charlie Wallingford; Debbie Wallingford; Ronnie Whitenack; Connie Williams, who Bradford noted was celebrating her birthday; and Rick Williams.
Bradford also announced that Festival of the Bells T-shirts are on sale and can be purchased for $10 at the Festival Information Booth.
After Bradford read a list of the festival’s sponsors, members of the Children’s Choir gathered to ring the bell at the Highland County Courthouse and to launch red, white and blue balloons to signify the festival’s opening.
“Let the 2016 Festival of the Bells begin,” Bradford said.
The Highland County Boy Scouts presented the colors, followed by a medley including the national anthem, “God Bless America” and “Jesus Loves Me” performed by the Highland County Children’s Choir.
Pastor Eric Swenson of the Hillsboro First Baptist Church offered the opening prayer for the festival. Members of the church’s praise team are scheduled to open for Building 429 at 7:45 p.m. Thursday evening.
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Bradford thanked the numerous Festival of the Bells committee members on stage: Nyhla Rothwell Carey; Beverly Carroll; Sara Carroll, who Bradford said was unable to attend due to the birth of her son; Mary Fent; Norman Fent; Justin Harsha; Abby Hilterbrand; Tara Pendell; Charlie Wallingford; Debbie Wallingford; Ronnie Whitenack; Connie Williams, who Bradford noted was celebrating her birthday; and Rick Williams.
Bradford also announced that Festival of the Bells T-shirts are on sale and can be purchased for $10 at the Festival Information Booth.
After Bradford read a list of the festival’s sponsors, members of the Children’s Choir gathered to ring the bell at the Highland County Courthouse and to launch red, white and blue balloons to signify the festival’s opening.
“Let the 2016 Festival of the Bells begin,” Bradford said.