By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA – For the second consecutive year, the Helena Market Days series has become so popular that dates for more market days have been extended past the summer and into the fall.

This October, Helena Market Days has two fun events planned that the whole family is sure to enjoy.

The first event will be Saturday, Oct. 13, as Helena Market Days will host the second annual Chili Cookoff at the Helena Amphitheater.

The event will begin at 8 a.m. and last until noon as those in attendance will sample several bowls of chili and vote on the one they like best.

In addition, several local farmers and vendors will be on hand that includes the following:

–Evans Farm offering peaches, seasonal vegetables and fruits
–George Family Farm offering pastured beef, pork, chicken and lamb
–Bee Creek Farms offering local honey and flavored whipped honey
–Mori Farms offering seasonal vegetables and pickles

–Southern Oaks Farm offering seasonal fruit and vegetables
–Medders Family Farm offering homemade peanut butter and sunflower butter
–KC Seafood offering fresh Gulf seafood

–JnS Treasured Creations offering custom wooden home decor and furniture

–Skull Girl Soaps offering scented soaps and candles

–Brady’s Natural offering pickles, jams, apple butter, seasoning blend

–Frios offering popsicles

–Fat Susan’s offering pastries and breakfast items
–B.B.’s Bread offering homemade flavored sourdough bread
–Cake Art by Cynthia offering Italian cakes, bread and meals to go
–Smoked offering barbecue sauce
–The Petal Cart offering seasonal flowers and mason jar arrangements

The Harvest Festival on Saturday, Oct. 27, will cap off the Helena Market Days season as the event will be held from 8 a.m. to noon at the Helena Amphitheater.

Activities at the Harvest Festival will include a pumpkin decorating contest for kids, trick-or-treating, face painting, pony rides, hayride, music and more.

Farmers and vendors will also be on hard with plenty of seasonal products. The vendors at the Harvest Festival will include the following:

–Evans Farm offering peaches, seasonal vegetables and fruits
–George Family Farm offering pastured beef, pork, chicken and lamb

–Mori Farms offering seasonal vegetables and pickles

–KC Seafood offering fresh Gulf seafood

–Brady’s Natural offering pickles, jams, apple butter, seasoning blend

–Frios offering popsicles

–Fat Susan’s offering pastries and breakfast items

–B.B.’s Bread offering homemade flavored sourdough bread
–Cake Art by Cynthia offering Italian cakes, bread and meals to go
–Smoked offering barbecue sauce
–The Petal Cart offering seasonal flowers and mason jar arrangements

–Kreations by Koz offering candy and caramel apples.

Helena Market Days exists as a venue for local farmers and producers to sell directly to residents of Helena and its neighboring cities. Scot Newman is the market manager and can be reached directly at 313-377-9078 or by email at Helenamarketday@gmail.com.

For more information on Helena Market Days including a farmer’s list, weekly scheduled events and links to chef recipes, visit Helenamarketdays.com.