The small Andrew County town of Helena will observe the centennial of the opening of its park June 27.

The center of the town was designated as a park, with a stipulation by H.C. Webster that Helena hold an annual celebration for the upkeep of the namesake Webster Park.

Businessmen that included Harve Sharp, the town’s banker, built a stage and shelter house in 1909. Mr. Sharp organized the Helena Orchestra that year for what he dubbed as the park’s opening.

The park will open at 7 a.m. June 27 with biscuits and gravy served from 7 to 9 a.m. A flag-raising ceremony will be held at 10 a.m., with state Rep. Dr. Rob Schaaf presenting a flag that has flown over the Missouri Capitol.

Several new attractions are planned, such as a country store and sales of commemorative items, along with a series of entertainment acts. A cakewalk and bingo will run intermittently and the 4-H club will sponsor games.

For the first time, a flea market and food vendors will be open in the park. Raffles, a special stamp cancellation and a pie-baking contest will also be held.

The community’s oldest member, Geneva Slade, will be honored at noon. Mrs. Slade’s late husband, Preston, was related to Helena co-founder Warren Snowden.

A dedication service in honor of Steve Sybert will be held in the evening. Mr. Sybert helped organize the 2009 park opening committee before his death in February.

A baby contest will be held from 5 to 6 p.m. A beer garden will open at 9 p.m. on the north side of the community building.

SUPPORT GROUP HOLDS FEST

Help Us Give Support (H.U.G.S.), a support group for Cameron and Northwest Missouri families coping with brain tumors, will hold a second day of the benefit H.U.G.S. in the Park today at McCorkle Park, located off Third Street in downtown Cameron.

Breakfast will be served starting at 6 a.m., with donations to H.U.G.S. accepted.

Other events throughout the day include a dog show, train rides, motorcycle relay, bike show and prize drawings. Meals will be available.

The second round of an “Almost American Idol” contest will begin at 1 p.m., with finals set for 6 p.m.

Call (816) 632-1776, 632-6052, or 632-2195 for more information.

Ray Scherer can be reached at rscherer@npgco.com.