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32-year bell-ringing tradition ends

DENVER, Dec. 24 (UPI) -- A Colorado man said Saturday his 32-year, Christmas Eve bell-ringing gig in Denver was coming to an end for lack of a "low E" bell.

Robert Gift told The Denver Post he wouldn't be playing holiday carols at the City and County Building because one of the 10 bells in the building's tower wasn't working. Gift said he suspected a blown circuit in the chime's electrical system was to blame.

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He said it didn't make sense for him to drive in from Arapahoe County for his 45-minute performance when most of his repertoire required he play the missing key.

"No need for this to be a Gong Show," said Gift, a firefighter, chimney sweep and organist who had played the bells every year since 1979.

Mayoral spokeswoman Amber Miller said the city was trying to fix the problem, and noted other players performed.

A disappointed Gift said he hoped to perform again in the future.

"Maybe I'll play again, if I don't get fired from my volunteer job," he said.

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