Riley Clemmons rings in 2024 Festival of the Bells with Christian concert

A patriotic and enthusiastic crowd attended the first night of the 2024 Festival of the Bells Thursday, July 4, with a concert by Christian artist Riley Clemmons among the highlights of the night at Crossroads Park in Hillsboro.

It was a beautiful summer evening, with a colorful sunset, for Clemmons’ concert that began just before 9 p.m. with an introduction from event organizer Brian Robinson. Crowds stretched across the green space in front of the stage, while many others enjoyed the variety of rides, food and other vendors.

Clemmons and her band put on a high-energy performance, encouraging the crowd to participate by singing or dancing along. Festival of the Bells committee president Tom Zile noted that it was one of the biggest opening-night crowds in a while, and they were also energetic and enthusiastic throughout the show.

Clemmons opened with her song “Fear Not,” followed by her Top 10 hit “For the Good,” with the crowd chiming in on the “I believe, I believe” refrain. Along with her songs like “Fighting for Me,” “Loved By You,” “Angels” and “Broken Prayers,” Clemmons sang covers such as the classic “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough.”

The 24-year-old artist also spoke with the crowd, thanking Robinson, booking agent Chuck Lipps and the churches who support the event each year. (The Christian opening act series is sponsored by the Hillsboro Ministerial Association for the Festival of the Bells and supported financially by churches in Highland and surrounding counties, along with local businesses.)

“I’m so happy to be here,” Clemmons said.

Wearing an American flag top and singing in front of an American flag backdrop, Clemmons also thanked veterans and active-duty military. While she recognized America’s birthday, she gave a shoutout to a local 13-year-old named Bristol celebrating her birthday as well.

Clemmons also cited various scriptures, including Romans 8:28 (“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose”) and Exodus 14:14 (“The Lord will fight for you; you need only to be still”) in her conversations with the crowd.

Prior to Clemmons’ show, however, there were several other activities to ring in this year’s Festival. The event officially opened at 4 p.m. with opening ceremonies and the start of food and craft vendor business, with rides following an hour later. An open “play and learn” session at the new pickleball courts at the nearby Railroad Street park were held Thursday evening.

A queens contest began at 5 p.m. and culminated with the crowning of the inaugural Festival of the Bells queen, Kensley Mathias, at 8 p.m. Her court includes first runner-up Kora McCarty; second runner-up Kathryn Ogden; and third runner-up Jenna Canada.

The Sinking Spring Community Church Worship Band also performed in concert as an opening act Thursday evening.

The festival continues Friday, July 5 and Saturday, July 6 at Crossroads Park in Hillsboro (green space on West Main Street). Friday’s activities begin at 9 a.m. at Railroad Street Park with another pickleball open play and learn session.

At 10 a.m., the food and craft vendors open at the Festival, followed by rides at 1 p.m., when bingo will also take place. A coloring contest begins at 2 p.m., followed by a “battle of the banks” at 3 p.m.

Jake Lindsay will present an illusion show at 5:30 p.m., with an armed services and veteran recognition ceremony to be held at 6:30 p.m.

Richard Lynch will then perform at 7:30 p.m., with Shane Profitt kicking off the country music concert series at 9 p.m.

Saturday, July 6 will be a jam-packed finale to the festival, starting with a 5K walk/run at 8 a.m. (registration starts at 7 a.m.), with a kids fun run at 9:30 a.m. (registration starts at 9:16 a.m.).

A 3-on-3 basketball tournament and the pickleball Bell City Challenge will start at Railroad Street Park at 9 a.m.

Back at Crossroads Park, the annual pet parade (9:30 a.m. registration, 10 a.m. start) and baby parade (10:30 a.m. registration, 11 a.m. start) will be held Saturday morning followed by the annual Festival off the Bells parade at noon with the theme “Small Town American Dream.” (Lineup for the parade begins at the Highland County Fairgrounds at 10 a.m.)

Saturday’s events will also include a car show (11 a.m.), balloon art by Tri-State Inflate (starting at 1 p.m.), a concert by Blue Steel (1:30 p.m.), a cornhole tournament (4 p.m.) and fun yard games (4 p.m.).

Country artist Lecade will perform at 7:30 p.m., followed by the annual auction at 8:15 p.m. before headliner Tyler Braden sings at 9 p.m.

For schedule changes and other updates, follow https://www.facebook.com/festivalofthebells/.

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