As a precursor to the 56 th annual International Carillon Competition, the Thomas Rees Memorial Carillon is honored to host the first annual “open” carillon competition in the United States. This special event will take place June 2-3, from 6-9 p.m. nightly, and features two nights of carillon music from five European and American finalists who will compete for monetary prizes, including $3,000 for first place. Attendees are encouraged to bring family, friends, pets, chairs, blankets and a picnic meal and enjoy the music emanating throughout Washington Park. For those hungry for more than two nights of carillon bells, the International Carillon Festival will take place June 4-6 and 8-9, from 6-8:30 p.m. nightly, featuring carillon concerts by worldwide renown carillonists, a large screen so attendees can watch the carillonists in action and fireworks Friday evening (June 9) at dusk. For more information about the Rees International Carillon Competition and 56 th annual International Carillon Festival, please visit http://carillon-rees.org or call 546-3853.