By GINNY COOPER MCCARLEY / Special to the Reporter

HELENA – Hoards of Helena residents are expected to attend the August Helena First Friday event set for August 7 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. in the historic district of Old Town Helena.

Last month, nearly 3,500 attended the event, with around 2,000 expected in August.

“It’s turning out to be a pretty good event,” Alan Farmer, president of the Helena Business Association and coordinator of Helena First Fridays, said.

The Helena Business Association began hosting Helena First Friday events on the first Friday of most months in order to both support local businesses and provide an event for Helena and surrounding communities.

During Helena First Friday events, which are family friendly and free to attend, local businesses stay open late, vendors set up booths, live music is played and local restaurants and food vendors serve up delicious treats.

“We’ve had businesses tell us it’s one of their busiest nights of the month,” Farmer said.

In August, the Helena High School band will entertain the crowds with live music, and Saw’s BBQ will attend the festivities with their award-winning food truck. In addition, 30 vendors as well as local businesses, art galleries and boutiques are set to participate in August’s event. Dance EtCetera will also provide entertainment during the event.

Even furry friends are welcome, and pets can enjoy treats from the FETCH dog treat food truck.

For more information on the Helena First Friday event or to register as a vendor, visit HelenaFirstFriday.com or contact Alan Farmer at alan@farmerguard.com.