By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA – The Christmas season is approaching fast, and the city of Helena, along with members of the Helena Business Association have already spent the last several weeks making plans in preparation for the annual Helena Festival Holiday Edition and Christmas Tree Lighting.

This year’s event will take place on Friday, Dec. 6 from 5:30-9 p.m. and include the illumination of the city Christmas tree at the caboose and the holiday shopping Festival that will feature more space and increased lighting.

The city of Helena through the Helena Beautification Board, along with the Helena Business Association and local merchants have teamed up to help spread Christmas cheer as the city will sponsor the events surrounding the Christmas Tree Lighting and the HBA helped sponsor the vendors near the amphitheater.

Helena Business Association President Amy Guida said this year’s Christmas event makes room for more vendors and the setting will be something no visitor will want to miss.

“To accommodate more than 40 vendors and seven food trucks, we’ve expanded the Festival to the amphitheater and there is something for everyone,” Guida said. “We’re going to light it up like a white Christmas with plenty of string lighting.”

In addition to vendors and food trucks, this event will feature Santa Claus, Christmas Story readings by Mrs. Claus, and plenty of photo opportunities. The Helena Belles will lend a hand with the bounce house, face painting, free gift wrapping for your purchases and the Helena Fire Explorers will be helping make s’mores and so much more.

For the city sponsored tree lighting at the caboose, performances from local choirs and renowned saxophone artist Vann Burchfield will be followed by the illumination of the city’s 15-foot Christmas tree at 7 p.m.

Guida added that anyone who attends the will be treated with plenty of opportunities to do holiday shopping while enjoying the other festivities. “We want people to Christmas shop when they come here.”

The Helena Business Association is selling limited edition Helena Christmas ornaments, and the funds will help defray the costs of the event. “The Christmas ornaments are pewter, featuring the red Helena caboose and we have a limited amount available for pre-order,” Guida said.

Pick up will be available at the Helena festival, By George or delivery will be made available.

For more information on the Helena Christmas ornaments and to pre-order, visit Hbahelena.com/store/helena-christmas-ornament-2019.

For more information on the HBA, visit Facebook.com/helenabusinessassociation/.

For more information on the city sponsored Christmas tree lighting, visit Facebook.com/helenabeautiful.