Festival celebrates addition of 96th bell
The celebration, titled “Statehood Day Festival,” will feature musical performances, along with the official dedication and ringing of the 96th bell known as the “answer bell.”
Opened in July 2000, the carillon currently operates with 95 bells, representing the citizens of the 95 Tennessee counties. It marks quarter hours and hours with the playing of The Tennessee Waltz, followed by the strike of the hour. The 96th bell, located on the capitol grounds, will ring in answer to the playing of the carillon.
The festival will take place at the Mall’s Courtyard on the Three Stars from 1 to 4 p.m. Free food, drinks and music will be offered and the first 500 guests will receive a free Tennessee state flag.
“This is a fitting celebration which reminds us of the importance of Tennessee’s musical heritage,” according to Senator Douglas Henry, chairman of the State Capitol Commission.
Headlining the musical entertainment will be Gary Morris, best known for his song, “Wind Beneath My Wings.” Morris received the 1984 Song of the Year award by both the Academy of Country Music and the Country Music Association for his release of the familiar tune.
Statehood Day is celebrated on June 1 as the date Tennessee became a state when President George Washington signed the bill in 1796.
The celebration is being presented by the State of Tennessee, the State Capitol Committee and the Tennessee State Museum. The day’s festivities are sponsored by 1Point Foundation.