Make plans to help the tower celebrate

The Mahanay Memorial Carillon Tower will celebrate its 50th birthday on the same date of its original dedication.

A birthday party will start at 2 p.m. Oct. 16 on the Bell Tower Plaza.

After 50 years, the tower is undergoing work to become a four-octave carillon with 47 total bells.

Music will play a big role in the Sunday afternoon party.

The Greene County High School Band and the Town and Country Band will perform a prelude concert at 2 p.m., followed by a re-enactment at 2:30 p.m. of the tower’s dedication ceremony 50 years ago with local residents representing the original dignitaries.  

The Greene County Singers and the First United Methodist Church handbell choir also will perform.

In addition, poet and sculptor David Williamson, a 1966 graduate of Jefferson Community High School, will unveil the collaborative Mahanay Moments and Memories poem created using memories of the tower submitted by the public.

Past and present donors to the Let the Bells Ring Campaign will be recognized.

Special guests will include representatives of people and companies involved in the design and construction of the tower 50 years ago.

Birthday cake created by the Ram Bakery at Greene County High School will be served, in addition to Bell Tower Blend coffee by Greene Bean Coffee, and water and lemonade provided by Jefferson Fareway.

Rides to the top of the tower will be free that day.

There will be other ways to celebrate the Bell Tower’s anniversary as well.

On Oct. 14 and 16, Jefferson Telecom will present “Bell Tower Past and Future” on Channel 9 at 6 p.m.

Additionally, Mikki Schwarzkopf, of Jefferson, has written a commemorative history book in honor of the tower’s 50th birthday that includes photos and interesting stories.

Books are available for $35 at The Printer’s Box and at the tower. All proceeds benefit tower enhancement projects.