San Francisco Treat: The Bell Ringing Contest

While buses and light rail vehicles provide the lion share of Muni service in the city, it’s the oldest mode of transit that engenders the most enthusiasm and passion from locals and visitors alike: the cable cars. And we are excited to be hosting one of our favorite events featuring the cable cars next month.

At noon on Thursday, July 9, the symphonic pitch of cable car bells will reverberate through Union Square as several of Muni’s most rhythmically inclined cable car operating maestros “ding” it out with skill, precision and acoustic brilliance for the title of World Champion Cable Car Bell Ringer at the 52nd edition of the Cable Car Bell Ringing competition.  

Join a plaza full of cable car and San Francisco enthusiasts for what usually turns out to be a sunny and fun filled day. The cable car operators will be joined by several community competitors, who will test their amateur chops in the charity bell ringing contest and whose prizes are awarded in the form of charitable contributions.

We are excited to have the fabulous local comedienne Debi Durst returning at emcee. The judges include Carl Payne, 10 time bell ringing champ; SFFD Chief Joanne Hayes-White; SFPD Commander Ann Mannix; Stanley Roberts of KRON4; Sir Francis Drake Hotel doorman, and Union Square favorite, Tom Sweeney; Miss Cable Car 1968 Jennifer de Grassi-Williams; local actress Kristina Hagan; and native San Franciscan and drummer of Santana, Raul Rekow.

As this event draws closer, be sure to check back in at sfmta.com for updates and further details.