By GRAHAM BROOKS / Staff Writer

HELENA–After opening just a few months ago in Helena, Premier Dance and Twirl Academy is already getting involved in the Helena community and embracing the Helena Huskies spirit.

The week of Oct. 12 marked the celebration of homecoming week for the second season as the Helena Huskies took on the Sumter Central Jaguars on Friday, Oct. 16.

For the second time, APH Radio and the Helena Athletic Association hosted the “Paint the Town Husky” contest for businesses in the Helena area and awarded prizes to the business with the best decorations.

Judges of the contest concluded that the Helena Premier Dance and Twirl Academy had the best Husky decorations at their business and awarded them with a gift basket from the HAA, a certificate to display at their business as well as a shout out at the homecoming game on their victory.

Premier Dance was very creative in decorating their business for the contest and used the theme “Dance over the Jaguars” referring to the Sumter Central Jaguars, Helena’s homecoming opponent.

The coolest part of their decoration was the way they used their front door.

A gray tarp was placed above the door and cut out in the shape of a husky head and painted while a red banner was hung up on the door to resemble the mouth of a husky and those entering the business felt as though they were entering the mouth of a husky.

Other decorations included a goal post made out of PVC pipe and decorations of multiple huskies wearing tutus.

Studio owner Cassi Thedford said she got the ideas for decorating after searching Pinterest and was happy to be named the winner.

“Actually when I found the flyer on my door about the contest I started thinking ‘What can I do,’” said Thedford. “I just searched Pinterest for homecoming door decorations and it was a bear that I saw. That’s what gave me the general idea and then my husband helped me also.”

Almost 20 businesses participated in the contest and some businesses even used the help of Helena High School art students with their decorations.

Helena would go on to defeat Sumter Central 49-14 on Friday, Oct. 16.