Chris Cagle closes out 2026 Festival of the Bells with Fourth of July concert
Festival of the Bells headliner Chris Cagle performs at the Fourth of July concert in uptown Hillsboro. (Basketball photos courtesy of Larry Scruggs; concert photos by Stephen Forsha and Caitlin Forsha/The Highland County Press)
It was a “Beautiful Day” Saturday, July 4 at the 2026 City of Hillsboro Festival of the Bells, as a third straight day of high temperatures cooled off to the mid-80s for the Fourth of July concert by Chris Cagle in uptown Hillsboro.
Cagle made his third appearance at the Festival of the Bells Saturday, as he previously headlined the 2002 and 2003 festivals as well. Coming back for his first concert in Hillsboro in over two decades, Cagle said he felt like he was returning to old friends and family.
Cagle added that it “means so much to me” to be the festival’s “first-ever back-to-back artist and first-ever three-time” headliner. He reiterated those feelings at the end of his song “What A Beautiful Day,” where he changed the final line to “I thank God I came back to the Festival of the Bells.”
Cagle interacted with the audience between and during songs, addressing men, women and children at different intervals, including inviting fans on stage and teasing fans who were singing and dancing along. He also got serious about addiction and recovery, singing “Anywhere But Here” by request but saying that he is no longer living that story.
Cagle also sang a mix of high-energy hits and ballads, including “Chicks Dig It,” “(Even When She's Off) She's On,” “Got My Country On,” “I Breathe In, I Breathe Out,” “Laredo,” “Miss Me Baby” and “My Love Goes On and On.”
Although there was another good turnout for the concert series, Saturday had a full day of activities to commemorate America’s 250th birthday, beginning with the Bells Through the Ages 5K Walk/Run and kids dash early Saturday morning.
Also on Saturday morning, a 3-on-3 basketball tournament sponsored by State Farm took place at Hillsboro High School. According to event organizer Larry Scruggs, this year’s tournament raised $1,880 to benefit Hillsboro City Schools athletics.
Merchants National Bank sponsored the annual pet parade, followed by NCB hosting the annual baby parade, as there were many patriotic entrants for both events.
A car show at the former Hillsboro High School grounds was featured throughout the day.
The Bells Through the Ages parade took place at 4 p.m. throughout several Hillsboro blocks, followed by a corn hole tournament sponsored by the Highland County Peace Officers Association.
The concert series concluded with opening acts Kyle Norris, then Sean Poole & Buckin’ Krazy, before Cagle’s concert.
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 28 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.
