Soon, bells will ring “happy birthday” across the region.

        Nine counties in this part of the state will participate in the Ohio Bicentennial Bell Project. The Verdin Bell Co. of Cincinnati will hand-cast 250-pound bicentennial bells on site in each county, using a mobile foundry.

        Fred Stratmann, spokesman for the Ohio Bicentennial Commission in Columbus, said the bells have become permanent icons in counties where they have been made.

        Confirmed casting dates are set for:

        • April 27-28, the Bell Festival, Greenville, Darke County.

        • July 4-5, Festival of the Bells, Hillsboro, Highland County.

        • July 6-7, Old-Fashioned Independence Day, Gratis, Preble County.

        • July 20-21, Clark County Fair, Springfield.

        • July 23-24, Clermont County Fair, Owensville.

        • July 30-31, Greene County Fair, Xenia.

        • Sept. 7-8, Corn Festival, Wilmington, Clinton County.

        • Sept. 24-25, Brown County Fair, Georgetown.

        Bicentennial spokesman Lee Yoakum said the program has been well-received since it started last summer.

        He said the bell program's coordinator, Bill Lowe, has attempted to connect the bell castings with existing events in the counties.

        Mr. Yoakum said the bell makers will cast bells in 41 counties, mid-April through mid-October. Seven were cast last fall, leaving 40 to be made in 2003, the Bicentennial year, including those for Hamilton, Butler and Warren counties.

        The bells are shaped in the American style, like the Liberty Bell. On each will appear the name of the county, date of casting, the Great Seal of Ohio and the Bicentennial logo.

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