By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–The first Helena First Friday of 2016 saw some new changes and new vendors, but the overall consensus from those in Old Town Helena on April 1, was that the event was a big success.

In addition to the Old Town Helena storefronts staying open later and offering special discounts and surprises, there were seven total food trucks in the area that appealed to a variety of ages and appetites.

The April food trucks included Lazy Boy BBQ, Pazzo! Big Slice Pizza, Off the Hook, Frios Gourmet Pops, Kona Ice, Dream Cake and Dixieland Desserts that joined the existing restaurants in Old Town running specials.

The McCoy family, who are residents of Pelham, were out enjoying the evening activities in Old Town and said their favorite part of the event is the family atmosphere.

“We really enjoy all the food and that it’s a small town atmosphere with a family feel,” said Patrick McCoy. “This is our first time coming to Helena First Friday and we have really enjoyed it.”

“The main goal is to promote Old Town and Helena as a whole in business growth,” said Helena First Friday coordinator Kristi Scozzaro. “We want people to come out and enjoy our local shops and have a fun time while we bring in vendors from around the area.”

Other new additions for 2016 included an onsite ATM sponsored by America’s First Federal Credit Union, a children’s zone with inflatables, face painting and balloon artist at Skull Girl Soaps and an information booth located at Ole My Sole that included a map, any information on registration and t-shirts available for purchase.

The goal for First Friday is to have 35 vendors each month and April was at near capacity with vendors that included travel companies, arts and crafts and more.

For the past two years, Helena First Friday was organized by the Helena Business Association, who helped revamp the growth and interest of the monthly event to where it is today.

Jim Wathen has taken over as chairman of the Helena First Friday committee and Scozzaro has also helped coordinate many of the vendors and plans for 2016 and explained the new role the Helena Old Town Merchants have in First Friday.

“HBA took it over for two years and at the end of this year they decided that it was time to focus their energy on other things so it was turned over to Helena Old Town Merchants,” said Scozzaro. “We want to continue growing with what Alan Farmer and the HBA put in place and did a great job with it.”

The next Helena First Friday will be Friday, May 6.