By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–The popular Helena First Friday event will return on Friday, June 1 and will feature more than just shopping opportunities for visitors in Old Town Helena.

Helena First Friday has partnered with the Helena Miracle League to present the inaugural Season Opener Jam free concert at the conclusion of Helena First Friday.

Helena First Friday will begin at 4 p.m. on Friday, June 1, with dozens of vendors, food trucks and more family fun at Old Town Helena.

At the conclusion of First Friday, the fun will move toward the Helena Amphitheater as the Season Opener Jam concert will feature Bo Bice, 7 Stone Riot and Sanchez Tanniehill for a free show lasting from 8-10 p.m.

Bo Bice, who gained fame after finishing as runner-up in the fourth season of American Idol in 2005, came back to his former hometown of Helena to give back in a big way.

Bice said he will officially serve as the ambassador for the Helena Miracle League. The future home of the 125-foot baseball field will sit on a plot of land roughly 2.5 acres behind Joe Tucker Park that will feature ADA accessible restrooms, a pavilion area, concession stand and a disability accessible parking lot.

The Helena Miracle League’s mission is to provide opportunities for children with disabilities to play Miracle League Baseball, regardless of their abilities, promote community support and sponsorship of Miracle Leagues and promote the construction of special facilities that meet the unique needs of Miracle League players and their families.

All of the proceeds raised from the June 1 concert will benefit the Miracle League. The concert will feature a mixture of rock and christian music.

Large volume parking for the concert is designated for the Helena Sports Complex up the road from the Helena Amphitheater, as parking near the amphitheater will be reserved for handicap parking.

The Helena Belles, Helena Fire Explorers and Helena Teen Council will be on hand to assist with the event.

Next month, the Helena July First Friday event is traditionally the largest of the year and those interested in becoming a vendor for upcoming Helena First Friday events should ask to join Old Town Helena First Friday Vendors at Facebook.com/groups/466018606916145/.