Joe McMahon admits there aren't a lot of summer activities for young people in East Helena.

"There's not a lot for kids out here to do," the Radley Elementary principal said. "They'll find things to do if we don't offer them."

So when last summer's first-ever Kay McKenna Youth Foundation summer recreation program in East Helena drew 1,000 children, McMahon wasn't surprised.

And that's why recreation supervisor Jannice Odermann says this year's fundraiser is even more critical than in previous years. She hopes for record-breaking attendance at the annual fundraiser dance, scheduled for Feb. 27 at the Helena Civic Center.

The need for summer activities for young people is growing and Odermann would like to continue to expand the program to include more sites and longer hours.

The program currently runs during summer months for four hours a day, four days a week when school isn't in session. Created in 1991 by Kay McKenna, a former teacher and Helena mayor, the program aims to provide recreational opportunities for local children free of charge. It's geared toward children between the ages of 6 and 13, but children under 6 are welcome with parental supervision.

Those who attend also receive a free lunch at some of the sites, which is provided by the Rocky Mountain Development Council and Helena Food Share.

"Getting that meal is very important," McMahon said.

The Kay McKenna Foundation in conjunction with the city of Helena operate the program at Barney, Lockey, Lincoln, Memorial and Sherron parks. The city of East Helena and parent teacher organizations along with private donors fund the Kennedy Park program. In all, it costs $26,000 and Odermann oversees all sites.

Odermann said the supervised recreation program is a positive summer outlet for children.

"It's a pretty important time of their life and parents need a free place for their children to be for part of the day," she said. "Our community needs it. These kids will grow up and do something in this community and we need to foster that development."

McMahon, who has been a principal in East Helena for 14 years, couldn't be happier about the addition of the East Helena location. He's crossing his fingers for longer hours, including Friday, but Odermann said for now, that's only a goal.

"Having a four-hour-a-day activity that's supervised, outside and physical is such a big plus to the community," he said. "We are only three miles from Helena, but for our kids, it might as well be 100 miles."

Iron Front Band set to rock fundraiser

The entertainment for the Kay's Kids summer recreation program, set for Friday, Feb. 27, is the Iron Front Band, a three-piece group of musicians who play classic rock.

Ken Nelson plays the keyboards, Mike Killeen plays the guitar and Tim Borsberry is the percussionist. All three are vocalists.

The band claims to have its roots in classic rock, but also has an appreciation for country rock and the blues with a set list that includes Pink Floyd, Jeff Beck, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Lynyrd Skynyrd, The Eagles, Johnny Cash and Dwight Yoakum. To hear songs performed by the band, visit www.myspace.com/ironfront.

Doors open at the Helena Civic Center at 8 p.m. with music at 9 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person or $25 a couple and are available at the Blackfoot Brewery, Staggering Ox, Leslie's Hallmark locations, and also at the door.

Alana Listoe: 447-4081 or alana.listoe@helenair.com