Helena MT- The yearly tradition of Vigilante Day is a parade held by the city of Helena, the high school students can build floats and be in the parade, the history of the parade goes back to the 1900’s, at the high school Junior and Senior classes would have annual brawls revolving around a flag pole and the class flags. 

The fights caused property damage and caused many students to be gravely injured. Principal Albert Roberts wanted to stop the fighting, so he introduced the idea of doing an annual historical pageant. The first Vigilante Day Parade was held on May 16th, 1924, it featured high school students dressed as Cowboys, Native Americans and historical figures marching through the downtown area. 

Over the years the celebration got bigger, by 1930 there was also a carnival and a dance. In 1939 Vigilante Day gained international media attention when Norwegian Royalty attended the event. Eventually the parade became a platform for school pride allowing students to represent their high school. In 1953 One Hundred percent of the Senior class participated earning them the Roberts Cup for their involvement.