By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–The popular Old Town Helena event dubbed Helena First Friday will return on Friday, April 1 and there are plenty of new things in store for 2016.

For the past two years, Helena First Friday was organized by the Helena Business Association, who helped revamp the growth and interest of the monthly event to where it is today.

Jim Wathen has taken over as chairman of the Helena First Friday committee and Kristi Scozzaro has also helped coordinate many of the vendors and plans for 2016 and explained the new role the Helena Old Town Merchants have in First Friday.

“HBA took it over for two years and at the end of this year they decided that it was time to focus their energy on other things so it was turned over to Helena Old Town Merchants,” said Scozzaro. “We’re just about at full capacity for April. We want to continue growing with what Alan Farmer and the HBA put in place and did a great job with it.”

The April First Friday event will begin at 5:30 p.m. and end at 9 p.m. in Old Town Helena.

In addition to the Old Town Helena storefronts staying open later and offering special discounts and surprises, there will be seven total food trucks in the area that will appeal to a variety of ages and appetites.

The April food trucks will include Lazy Boy BBQ, Pazzo! Big Slice Pizza, Off the Hook, Frios Gourmet Pops, Kona Ice, Dream Cake and Dixieland Desserts that will join the existing restaurants in Old Town that will also be running specials.

“The main goal is to promote Old Town and Helena as a whole in business growth,” said Scozzaro. “We want people to come out and enjoy our local shops and have a fun time while we bring in vendors from around the area.”

Other new additions for 2016 include an onsite ATM sponsored by America’s First Federal Credit Union, a children’s zone with inflatables, face painting and balloon artist at Skull Girl Soaps and an information booth located at Ole My Sole that will include a map, any information on registration and t-shirts available for purchase.

The goal for First Friday is to have 35 vendors each month and April is at near capacity with vendors that include travel companies, arts and crafts and more.

The musical guest for April is Steve Norris and Arcara Residential Real Estate has agreed to sponsor every gazebo music venue throughout the season.

“We really want people to have a fun, friendly atmosphere while enjoying the Old Town shops and restaurants in an atmosphere that makes Helena great,” said Scozzaro.

Those interested in receiving vendor information for upcoming Helena First Friday events can visit Facebook.com/Helenafirstfriday.