Library's Community Heroes Carnival a huge success

Nearly 700 people were on hand for the Community Heroes Carnival in downtown Havre that gave young people a chance to salute law enforcement officials.

"It was great. Everything went well," said Lori Roberts, children's librarian at the library, who organized the event.

Downtown streets were blocked off so people could enjoy the weather while paying tribute to the public servants.

A barbecue was prepared by Hill County sheriff's deputies and U.S. Border Patrol agents. Undersheriff Jamie Ross was in charge of the food.

Havre firefighters showed off their fire truck, giving the youngsters a tour of their state-of-the-art equipment.

The highlight was the arrival of the Mercy Flight helicopter from Benefis Hospital in Great Falls.

Children were given the chance to feel the helicopter controls, and some pretended they were piloting the helicopter.

Roberts said community support was fantastic, and people seemed to enjoy it very much.

Next year, she said, the summer celebration will have a sports theme.

She's hoping to get two or three professional sports players - maybe basketball players to play hoops with youngsters on the streets of downtown Havre,

"Next year is an Olympics year," she said. "We could tie in the Olympics."