By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–Once the spring break holiday concludes, students, as well as parents of school children, quickly start turning their focus to the end of the school year and the upcoming summer break.

But before the final weeks of the school year wind down, Helena Elementary School students and parents have a fun event they can look forward to that benefits the school’s Parent Teacher Organization.

The Helena Elementary School Spring Fling has become an annual tradition that students look forward to months and weeks ahead of time and accounts as the schools largest spring fundraiser.

This year’s Spring Fling will be held April 7-9 at various times each day.

The Spring Fling consists of many carnival rides, games, food and prizes for everyone to enjoy at Helena Elementary School.

The Spring Fling will kickoff Friday, April 7 from 5-10 p.m. On Saturday, April 8 there will be two separate sessions with the first being 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and then 5-10 p.m. Lastly, on Sunday, April 9 the Spring Fling will be from 1-5 p.m.

Saturday only from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. there will be classroom games and a silent auction. Tickets for the classroom games may be purchased on-site and prices will be made available closer to the event.

Carnival rides and food will be available each day of the Spring Fling and an armband will need to be purchased for students wishing to ride any of the rides.

Mary Cooper has served as the Helena Elementary School principal since July 2001 and has said in year’s past she enjoys seeing all her former students return for the event.

“My favorite thing is seeing kids and families and former students who come back to the fling,” Cooper said. “Since we’re just K through second grade, I miss watching them grow up. The Fling just represents Helena and it’s all about families and it’s just a fun time.”