A Perfect Night For A Stroll in East Helena
Author: MT43 News reporter
MT43 News Staff Reporter
It wouldn’t be an East Helena Christmas Stroll if everybody and their dog didn’t participate. This year saw hundreds of families, senior citizens and some dogs toured all over town to enjoy the entertainment, the food and the festivities Thursday, December 4.
The annual event began some twenty years ago, was the brainchild of Valley Bank employee Joleen Giarde. This year employee Stephanie Chambers and her many helpers organized the event. It included performances by the Tiernan Irish Dancers and the Middle School and High School Choirs, along with their jazz band at Radley Gym. Literally hundreds of vendors set out their wares and treats at City Hall and various downtown businesses. Kids found games and prizes at a tent on Main Street, which was cordoned off for the event. Highly anticipated by strollers was the gift basket raffle of more than 36 baskets donated by East Helena businesses. Vendors’ fees and the raffle raised about $10,000, according to Chambers. All money raised goes to the East Helena Schools Booster Club.
Michele Pocha’s booth demonstrated the exceptional craftsmanship and artistry shown by so many of the vendors who showed their year’s work. Michele, a retired nurse who lives in the Scratch Gravel area of Helena, displayed many wildlife photos taken with her little Canon camera. A New York native and proud of her Chippawa Creek heritage, she also does wood-burning art. She works with blue pine and alder from local trees. “I like to keep my photos and wood art reasonably priced because I’m trying to encourage people to protect and love wildlife and wild places as much as I do,” she explained.
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Image 1 Caption: Gift baskets from local businesses were up for raffle to raise money for East Helena School Booster Club.
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Image 2 Caption: Michele Pocha, photographer and artist, displayed her wildlife photographs and wood working.
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Image 3 Caption: Buyers and Sellers at the East Helena Stroll.
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Image 4 Caption: A moment of serenity at the Jak's Heating and Air booth on Main Street.
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Image 5 Caption: James Koester and his wife Dru and their daughters run Jak's Heating and Air in East Helena.
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