By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–The 2016 Buck Creek Festival successfully completed its 15^th year in existence the second weekend in May, and on Monday, July 25, the totals raised from the festival were announced and numerous checks were given out.

The 2016 Buck Creek Festival brought in a total of $26,420 that was divided among multiple charities and organizations throughout the city and topped last year’s total by more than $3,000.

Helena City Councilwoman Cris Nelson spends a great deal of time throughout the year promoting and organizing the Buck Creek Festival as one of the committee members, and she recognized those members and volunteers who made the festival possible.

“I want to thank everyone who worked on the festival committee,” said Nelson. “This is the core group that makes this happen and we’re very blessed to have about 60 volunteers that show up the day of the festival. It’s this group right here that plans it, they’re a very well oiled machine, they know what to do, what not to do and help hold it together so thank you very much for all your hard work and sweat and laughs.”

On July 25, checks were presented to the Helena Belles, Christ Community Church, Helena Lions Club, the Helena Fire and Police Explorers, The Jane B. Holmes public library, local Helena schools, the Helena Kiwanis Club and the Helena High School Band Boosters.

The organizations were presented checks after dedicating time and effort to help better the festival by doing things like picking up trash, working merchandise tents, help running the concession stand, helping with public safety, volunteering at the children’s activity area, helping with the duck race and more.

The donations for the organizations were as follows:

• Helena Belles–$300
• Christ Community Church–$400
• Helena Lions Club–$700
• Helena Fire Explorers–$500
• Helena Police Explorers–$500 plus an additional $700 for shuttle use.
• Jane B. Holmes public library–$500
• Local Helena schools–$1,000 to each school
• Helena Kiwanis Club–$4,085
• HHS Band Boosters–$12,495

The Helena High School Band Boosters received a large portion of the donations because of their work selling tickets to the iconic duck race, which takes place Saturday afternoon.

Over the life of the festival, the total amount of money raised is $253,827. The money is placed back in the community for a variety of projects and organizations to benefit Helena.

The 2017 Buck Creek Festival has been set for May 12-13, 2017.

For more information, visit Buckcreekfestival.com.