By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–If you are a Pokémon Go fan and also wish to learn more about the history of Helena, an upcoming event will combine the two for a few hours of fun for all ages.

The Helena Historic Preservation Committee, along with Helena Parks and Recreation, is hosting a historical walking tour with augmented reality game maker Niantic, Inc., creators of Pokémon Go on Saturday, Jan. 27, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Helena Amphitheater in Old Town Helena.

This walking tour is the first mixed reality event in Alabama partnering with Niantic’s Pokémon Go mobile game.

Families will be able to get a map and discover Helena history as well as catch Pokémon in augmented reality.

The Helena Museum will also have a virtual gym where players can compete. Families will receive maps at the start of the event at 10 am. Parking and maps will be at Helena Amphitheater park located at 4151 Helena Road.

Pokémon Go is a free app for Apple or Android customers, and reached the top of the Apple App Store in 2017.

The event committee is made up of Leigh Hulsey, council liaison to parks and rec, Kara Barr, president of the Helena Historic Preservation Committee, Crystal Watford, school teacher and Friends of Helena Library member, Laura Joseph, council liaison to Helena Library Board and Hewy Woodman, council liaison for the Helena Historic Preservation Committee. A special thanks was also given to Alice Lobell and the HHPC members who worked on the event.

“The Helena Historic Preservation Committee is devoted to preserving our community’s rich history,” Barr said. “This community day is one of many ways that we are connecting Helena’s historical past to Helena’s amaranthine and brilliant future.”

The Helena Historic Preservation Committee has been set up to preserve, promote and protect the history of Helena.

To learn more about Helena Historic Preservation Committee and receive future updates, visit Facebook.com/HelenaHistory.