Austin French kicks off 2025 Festival of the Bells concert series
Austin French performs during Thursday night's Christian concert at the 2025 Festival of the Bells. (HCP Photos/Stephen & Caitlin Forsha)
The 2025 Festival of the Bells is officially underway, with Christian artist Austin French kicking off the annual concert series Thursday night at the Highland County Fairgrounds.
After an introduction from longtime Christian concert organizer Brian Robinson, French energized the crowds with his upbeat and uplifting music, kicking off the show with the song “Wide Open” from his debut album.
In addition to encouraging the crowds to engage in call and response along with his songs (as well as repeatedly shouting “O-H” for an “I-O” response from the audience), French had the crowds dancing and waving their arms for much of the night as they heard songs such as “Freedom Hymn,” “God Is Good (All The Time),” “(I've Got That) Good Feeling,” “Why God” and others.
Before French headlined Thursday’s activities, the festival kicked off with opening ceremonies at 4:30 p.m. On behalf of the Festival committee, Vice President Tiffany McCoy told The Highland County Press that they wanted to thank all of this year’s sponsors for making this year’s event possible.
The queens pageant was also held Thursday night, with Mya McIntosh crowned as the 2025 queen. This year’s festival also includes a wide variety of food vendors, plus crafts and other items for sale.
The festival will continue Friday with food vendors opening at 11 a.m. Activities include bingo, a coloring contest, the “battle of the banks,” Jake Lindsey’s illusions show, a cornhole tournament and an armed service and veteran recognition.
Friday night’s inaugural “Rock the Bell” night, sponsored by Hillsboro Eagles 1161, will kick off with CAPTURED Louisville, “a Journey tribute band known for its exceptional and authentic performances,” according to a provided biography. The night will conclude with Simply Queen, a “completely live tribute” band that performs all the iconic songs that have made Queen one of the most legendary rock bands of all time,” according to a provided bio.
Activities continue Saturday with the Firecracker 5K Walk/Run at 8 a.m., followed by a 3-on-3 basketball tournament at Hillsboro Elementary at 9 a.m. The busy schedule throughout the day includes the annual pet parade and baby parade, a car show, a parade, kids pedal tractor pulls, hot air balloon rides, yard games and the annual auction.
Saturday’s concert slate will begin with Over the Herd, a blues, folk and Americana trio, followed by local artists Kyle Norris, Sean Poole & Buckin Krazy as opening acts for headliner Ricochet, a successful country music group for nearly 30 years.
For schedule changes and other updates, please follow the committee on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/festivalofthebells.
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