Shane Profitt concert among highlights of Friday's activities at Festival of the Bells

After rain during parts of the day Friday, July 5 the skies cleared and the weather cooled to 79 degrees for another beautiful evening at the Festival of the Bells at Crossroads Park in Hillsboro, which included a concert by country artist Shane Profitt.

Profitt opened his show by telling the crowd, “I hope you all are ready to have as much fun as I am,” and have fun they did. He engaged the audience with a mix of his own music and covers, including a spirited rendition of Hank Williams Jr.’s “Family Tradition.”

In between songs like “I Am Who I Am,”“Still Picks Up,” “Better Off Fishin’” and “How It Oughta Be,” Profitt told stories about his life. He spoke about growing up in Columbia, Tenn., where the 24-year-old self-proclaimed “redneck” worked until meeting country singer Chris Jansen at a sushi restaurant. Profitt said that Jansen invited Profitt to open for him on tour, which eventually led to Profitt’s record deal.

Profitt also talked to the audience about growing up in a small community like Hillsboro.

“I can tell you all are my kind of people,” he said.

Growing up in Tennessee, where Profitt spoke about enjoying hunting and a slower pace of life, inspired his song “Back Home,” while he dedicated his song “Two Down” to his girlfriend, who was in attendance. Crowds also enjoyed a medley of covers performed by Profitt’s band members, who took turns on vocals.

Before Profitt’s concert, activities on Friday included games; an illusion show; an armed services and veteran recognition ceremony; and a concert by Richard Lynch.

The festival continues Saturday, July 6 at Crossroads Park in Hillsboro (green space on West Main Street) with 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 9:15 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.

For story and photos from Thursday, go to: https://highlandcountypress.com/news/riley-clemmons-rings-2024-festival….

Publisher's note: A free press is critical to having well-informed voters and citizens. While some news organizations opt for paid websites or costly paywalls, The Highland County Press has maintained a free newspaper and website for the last 25 years for our community. If you would like to contribute to this service, it would be greatly appreciated. Donations may be made to: The Highland County Press, P.O. Box 849, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133. Please include "for website" on the memo line.