Helen centennial celebration wraps up

Posted 11:21PM on Saturday 7th September 2013 ( 10 years ago )

HELEN - The celebration of Helen's 100th birthday wrapped up with a series of events on Saturday.

Performances by the All American Lumberjack Show in the field across from Circle K on South Main Street in Helen drew hundreds at 10 a.m., 2 p.m. and 6 p.m.

The roughly 30-minute high-energy shows for all ages featured numerous competition events, some of which include audience participation. The age range of the 350 people who attended the 2 p.m. show ranged from 4 months to 85 years.

Helen Centennial Committee spokeswoman Jody Shahan said she was pleased with the turnout, and with all the events.

From 7-11 p.m. Saturday, a street dance was held on the downtown Market Platz featuring Georgia Country Female Vocalist of the Year finalist Gina Gailey. Hundreds packed the downtown area for that performance.

Now that the official centennial events are over, the city is gearing up for Oktoberfest, which features a parade at noon Saturday, Sept. 14.

Audience members clamor for a chainsaw-carved miniature chair during Saturday afternoon's lumberjack show. (Photo/Rob Moore)

Alexis Overn, 13, of Skylake and Neenie Overn, almost 10, of Jefferson learn to use a cross-cut saw during kids' lumberjack camp in Helen Saturday afternoon. (Photo/Rob Moore)

Josiah Kratz, 11, and Judah Kratz, 8, of Ellijay try their luck at the log roll during Saturday afternoon's kids' lumberjack camp in Helen. (Photo/Rob Moore)

Chainsaw carving is one part of the All American Lumberjack Show. (Photo/Rob Moore)

A hot saw competition is perhaps the loudest part of the lumberjack show. (Photo/Rob Moore)

The Gina Gailey Band performed for hundreds during Saturday night's street dance to close out the Helen centennial celebration. (Photo/Pete Galbiati)

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