By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–The Second Annual Helena Founder’s Day, led by the Helena Historic Preservation Committee, will once again host a full day event celebrating the 151 years of local history while offering a variety of musicians, artists, vendors, crafts, inflatables and even a trolley ride tour.

Founder’s Day is scheduled for Saturday, April 23, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Helena Amphitheater and surrounding Old Town area. In the event of inclement weather, the Helena Sports Complex will be utilized as a backup site.

The event is free and open to the public and will celebrate the rich history of Helena through a variety of different ways including folk artists, speakers and the newest addition, a trolley ride.

Helena Historic Preservation Committee member Hal Woodman is in his second year helping plan the event, and said the trolley ride will be a fun new attraction to help those get a better sense of historic buildings and Helena landmarks.

“The newest thing for this year is the trolley rides,” said Woodman. “The trolley will be giving tours through Old Town on an old fashioned looking trolley. People will be able to get on the trolley behind The Coal Yard and the tour will include history on old buildings in Old Town Helena and more. The plan is to give a tour once an hour but it could be quicker than that.”

The trolley ride is sponsored by Scozzaro Law and Arcara Realty and HHPC speaker Jay Riley will be on the trolley explaining the special historical spots.

Some of the vendors at the event include ItWorks, PBMAST, Mary Kay, Jane B Holmes Public Library, Scentsy, Usborne Books and More, Helena High School Band Boosters, Doug Allen cooking, Redneck Rosario and more.

The musical talent provided throughout the day will feature the Helena High School Choir and Show Choir, Keith Elder, Thomas Trussell and Steve Norris.

The Helena Belles and Helena Fire Explorers will serve as youth ambassadors at the event.

For more information on the Helena Historic Preservation Committee and Helena Founder’s Day visit Facebook.com/HelenaHistory/.