Clarion County’s tribute to America’s 250th birthday rang out Friday afternoon as residents, sponsors, and local and state officials gathered at Veterans Memorial Park to unveil the county’s “Bells Across PA” sculpture.
The creation is one of the artist-designed Liberty Bell replicas displayed across Pennsylvania’s 67 counties. The unveiling was one of several events leading up to New Bethlehem’s annual Fourth of July fireworks celebration later Friday evening.
Despite sweltering temperatures, a crowd turned out to welcome the 3-foot-tall bell — titled “Treasures of Clarion County” — painted by New Bethlehem artist Linda Moore.
The sculpture will remain on display in Veterans Park as part of the statewide public art project commemorating the nation’s semiquincentennial.
“Bells Across PA consists of more than 120 bells that form an art trail stretching across every county in Pennsylvania,” said Colin Sheffer, America250PA’s projects and programming coordinator.
Sheffer, a New Bethlehem native who said he has attended at least half of the bell unveilings across the state, called the local dedication especially meaningful.
“It may not ring, but it’s far from silent,” Sheffer said. “It speaks to our community, our creativity and our pride.”
The ceremony began with a prayer led by New Bethlehem’a mayor, the Rev. Gordon Barrows, and included the presentation of the colors by the Walter W. Craig American Legion Post 354 Honor Guard, the Pledge of Allegiance, and “The Star Spangled Banner” performed by Randy Bowser.
Members of Clarion Fire and Hose Company No. 1, New Bethlehem Volunteer Fire Company and volunteer from departments from Hawthorn, Limestone Township, Shippenville and Distant sounded their sirens as the bell was unveiled.
Organizer Lisa Goth reflected on the importance of community and the role it has played throughout the nation’s history.
“For generations, this town has been shaped by families, businesses and volunteers who understand that strong communities don’t happen by chance,” she said. “They are built together.
“Community is more than a place on the map. It’s the people that support one another, preserve our traditions and work together to build a better future.”
Moore said creating the bell’s artwork pushed her beyond her usual artistic subjects.
“I do scenery, mostly floral stuff, so this was very different because there’s buildings on it, the courthouse; so it was out of my comfort zone for sure,” she said.
The artist said choosing which landmarks to include proved difficult as her list of places and symbols representing Clarion County continued to grow.
“Things that I felt deserved to be represented on the bell,” Moore said, “it’s all Clarion County.”
Barrows said New Bethlehem was honored to host the county’s bell. “Obviously, Clarion being the county seat, you would sort of assume that they might have held it there, but we are so blessed and humbled to have it here in southern Clarion County.”
State Rep. Josh Bashline encouraged attendees to consider the legacy future generations will inherit.
“So as we unveil this bell, and then look on the next year, 15 years, 20 years down the road, I ask you all to remember everything that we were, are and what we will become in the next 250 years,” he said.
Barrows, in a news release, said in part that he extends his “sincere appreciation to the many volunteers, organizations, businesses, first responders, churches, elected officials, and community members who helped make New Bethlehem’s America250 Independence Day Celebration a tremendous success.”