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Bell Tower Telling Pied Piper Story Reopens In Frankenmuth

FRANKENMUTH, Mich. (AP) - A 50-foot bell tower that tells the story of the Pied Piper has reopened in Saginaw County after closing for five months for restoration.

Frankenmuth's Bavarian Inn Glockenspiel Tower had been silenced by a May brownout, which is small, temporary voltage reduction.

The attraction plays a 15-minute story and includes narration, 35 bells, and 15 wooden figures from Germany that move on tracks during the free show. Some of the figures are nearly 5 feet tall.

Restaurant general manager Amy Zehnder Grossi said the show has run four times a day since 1967.

"We reluctantly gave him the summer off, but now it's time for him to play his flute and carry on with this beautiful Frankenmuth tradition," Zehnder Grossi said.

The Pied Piper is a German legend in which a piper is hired by a town to rid it of rats, but the mayor refuses to pay. The piper then plays his flute and lures children out of the town.

To get the Frankenmuth tower reopened, electricians had to first repair the Frankenmuth structure's high voltage outlets and panels. Work also included restoring the original voice mechanism.

The tower also has a large clock face with gold-covered numerals, just under the movable stage. The attraction plays Westminster chimes on the hour and other music in addition to the Pied Piper tale.

© Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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