By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA – Old Town Helena had a festive mood the night of Friday, Nov. 30 as thousands made their way to the city to kick off the holiday season with the second annual “Helena Christmas to Remember.”

The Helena Beautification Board and the Helena Business Association presented the “Helena Christmas to Remember” which featured local merchants staying open late, holiday themed vendors, live music, food trucks and the highlight being the Christmas tree lighting.

The event, which featured fun for the whole family, also included holiday shopping opportunities, Santa and Mrs. Claus, ornament decorations and more turning Old Town Helena into a Christmas village for the night.

The Christmas tree lighting featured performances from James Quakenbush and the Helena High School choir as Ron Holly, the grand marshal of the Helena Christmas parade, illuminated the city’s 15-foot Christmas tree to officially ring in the holiday season.

Holly has served numerous years as a city volunteer who donates his time at the Buck Creek Festival, Helena Market Days and Friday Night Movies in Old Town. Holly also serves as the official greeter for Helena in the Red Caboose in Old Town by the train tracks where the Christmas tree was illuminated.

“This 15-foot hemlock was cut about two weeks ago up in east Tennessee and delivered here wrapped in burlap at its base,” Helena Beautification Board Chairman Chris VanCleave said prior to the Christmas tree lighting. “In keeping with our commitment to sustainability, this tree will be planted at Cahaba Lily Park after Christmas.”

Both VanCleave and Helena Beautification Board Vice Chairman Brian Puckett both thanked the city leaders of Helena for helping support the event.

The Helena Beautification Board is an appointed board of the Helena City Council. The Board believes that people and places are profoundly connected and thriving communities are rooted in individual responsibility and action. They host a variety of opportunities for the community to come together and serve each year. Events are posted on the Helena Beautiful Facebook page and announced via Twitter at @TweetHomeHelena.