Monday was a ribbon cutting ceremony to officially open the Mahanay Memorial Carillon Tower in Jefferson.

The Greene County Ambassadors were joined by representatives of the Bell Tower Community Foundation, bell tower tour guides and the Jefferson Rotary Club for the event. Bell Tower Community Foundation President Carole Custer thanked the other members of the board, acknowledged the bell tower being awarded the Outstanding Attraction Award from the Iowa Tourism Office and Travel Federation of Iowa, and how they’re enhancement of the tower is how it has gotten to where it is today, over 50 years later.

Ambassador Coordinator Jill Morton is excited for the tourism season and for everyone to check the bell tower and see all four corners of Greene County.

“We have so much for people to come up and see. We would like to do a shoutout to the Bell Tower Foundation for all their work. They go above and beyond and they are so active. They have done a lot, the Rotary has contributed to the admission for all kids, so that’s pretty fantastic. People need something to do (and) going to the bell tower should be on the top of their list. It is a view you can’t get anywhere else.”

The bell tower is open on the weekends in May from 10am-4pm. Adult admission is $3 and anyone 18 and younger are admitted for free, due to the sponsorship of the Jefferson Rotary Club.