City of Helen 100 years

2018 - 48th Annual Oktoberfest

Helen's biggest celebration, Oktoberfest, begins September 6, and continues each weekend in September until September 27 when the festivities will be daily until October 28. There will be German music, dancing, food & drinks. The kick-off parade will be September 8 at 12:00 noon at Downtown Helen. The "tapping of the keg" follows the parade. For more information, call 706-878-1908 or 706-878-2181 or go to  www.helenchamber.com

Special Called Meeting

The City of Helen announces a Special Called Meeting will be held July 31, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. at City Hall, 25 Alpenrosen Strasse. Topic to be discussed will be the setting of the millage rate for 2018 property taxes. For questions, please call 706-878-2733.

45th Annual Helen to the Atlantic Hot Air Balloon Race Relocation

Many have been calling today regarding the hot air balloon race set to begin at 7:00 a.m., Thursday, May 31, 2018. We are happy to report the balloons are scheduled to go up tomorrow morning. Weather permitting, the race will begin at its normal time, but the location has been changed. The balloons will be going up from the field behind the Huddle House and the Surestay Motel (off Narr Weg). If the rain returns, or if the wind is not favorable, the balloons may fill up, but may not be able to leave the ground. We are sorry for the late notice, but a decision has just been reached. Any questions can be directed to the Helendorf Motel at 706-878-2271, the hot air balloon race headquarters. We hope you will join us for this special once a year event.

Helen Veterans Park Dedication Ceremony

Join us for our dedication ceremony for the City of Helen Veterans Park as we honor Private Rondall H. Glaze (White County's most decorated soilder) and all of those who have served our country, Saturday, June 30, 2018, 11:00 a.m., 726 Brucken Strasse, Helen, GA 30545.

Opening of the New Pedestrian Bridge

We are excited that the new pedestrian bridge is finally in place. We have had a number of people asking when it will be opened to traffic. The concrete has been poured, but it has to have a certain amount of time to set. On Thursday, April 19, a strength test will be conducted. If the concrete passes the hardening test, it will be opened. If not, it will have to set for seven more days, and will open a week later on Thursday, April 26. We are also eager for the opening of the bridge, and thank you for your patience. If you have any questions, please call City Hall at 706-878-2733 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday.

Time Change for Commission and PDRB Meetings

On March 20, 2018, the Helen City Commission voted to change the Commission Meetings from the first and third Tuesday of the month to a single meeting on the second Tuesday of the month at 10:00 a.m. in the Commission Chambers located at 25 Alpenrosen Strasse.
Commission Meetings will be the following dates: April 10, 2018, May 8, 2019, June 12, 2018, July 10, 2018, August 14, 2018, September 11, 2018, October 9, 2018, November 13, 2018, and December 11, 2018.
Starting April 1, the Planning Design Review Board Meetings (PDRB) will be moved to the first and third Tuesdays of each month at 9:00 a.m. in the Commission Chambers at City Hall. All Sign and Special Event Permit paperwork will need to be turned into City Hall by the Wednesday prior to the meeting.
If you have any questions, please call City Hall at 706-878-2733, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Setting of the Pedestrian Bridge

The long awaited pedestrian bridge on Main Street is scheduled to be delivered either Monday or Tuesday of next week (March 26 or 27). The bridge will be delivered to the commercial/carriage loading zone at the corner of Dye Street and North Main Street where it will be prepared for installation. This lot will be closed during the time the bridge is there. On Thursday, March 29 at approximately 8:00 a.m., Main Street will be closed as the bridge is moved from Dye Street to its home and set into place. All traffic will be detoured around the area for the remainder of the day until the bridge is set. When the road is safe, it will be reopened. We apologize for the inconvenience. We believe the results will be well worth it. Not only will the bridge be safer for our pedestrian traffic, but it will add an attractive appearance to the city. Thank you for your patience. If you have any questions, please call City Hall at 706-878-2733 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Monday - Friday.