Bell Ringing Ceremony Tuesday For Clay County’s 150th Year

Bells, horns, and other noises will echo through Celina’s downtown Tuesday in celebration for Clay County’s 150th year.

Originally a two week celebration was planned, but most of those events are either cancelled or postponed due to COVID-19. Historic Preservation Committee Chairperson Melissa White said she didn’t want the sesquicentennial date to go unnoticed.

“We hope that everyone there will have an opportunity to participate in the bell ringing itself,” White said. “It’s there on the square, and we hope that those that can’t be there will ring bells or blow horns or whatever kinds of noise they can do. [It will] all be at 5 o’clock to celebrate Clay County’s birthday.”

The Tennessee General Assembly passed an act June 16 1870 to form Clay County from parts of Overton and Jackson counties.

Sesquicentennial merchandise will be available for purchase from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the courthouse. White said one of the items is a family tree book, portraying over 400 Clay County family trees.

“Clay County has a relatively short history compared to other counties,” White said. “We’re a vibrant part of the Upper Cumberland, we celebrate our heritage, we have a unique and diverse heritage. We celebrate people who have been in our county for 200 years and we’re excited about people who have moved in now.”

Some anniversary events could return later this year, but White said that depends on state guidelines and partially the Clay County Fair Board.

“Anything that we can do at a later date that doesn’t involve lots of crowds and the potential spread of COVID we’re going to do,” White said. “We just ask everyone to please stay informed and involved.”