Suzanne Holmes (second from left) President of the Greater Hughesville Business Association is holding raffle tickets that are available for cash prizes to help increase funds for student scholarships. The meeting was held at Cheri’s House of Flowers where her two cats joined the members.

HUGHESVILLE – With nice sunny weather this week, it’s hard to believe December is coming soon and with that, the Hughesville Greater Business Association (GHBA) is planning another season with a car giveaway. Besides increasing commerce to the downtown area, the members are striving to increase their funds for their annual student scholarships.

Last Tuesday the organization held its monthly meeting at Cheri’s House of Flowers on the corner of Main and Water Streets to plan for December’s many activities.

In order to raise more money, GHBA obtained a chance license and starting with this summer’s golf tournament, raffle tickets are now being sold to the public for cash prizes according to chair Tom Donofrio.

Businesses will be having sidewalk sales this weekend September 26 and 27 where the tickets will be sold. Winners will be announced at the 5 to Drive giveaway on Sunday, December 7.

An auction was also held for the first time at Fry’s and donations are being accepted for next year’s. “We can use the small profit to benefit the upcoming holiday parade and children’s Christmas party,” replied President, Suzanne Holmes.

Looking ahead for 2015 possibly a gun raffle could be added to the auction and the raffle tickets. Currently the GHBA budgets $750 each for two scholarships and would like to make it $1000 each according to Doug Spotts, treasurer.

The 5 to Drive is turning into a major event after four car giveaways. Some of the businesses will have evening hours, carriage rides will be available once again and the East Lycoming Historical Society is planning another train display.

Local businesses are encouraged to make donations which can be tax deductible towards the Five to Drive holiday giveaway. Applications are on the GHBA website and donations can be dropped off until September 30 at Doug Spotts Appliances.

Holmes announced that Christmas carolers will be downtown and Hughesville Rotary will be hosting a tree lighting ceremony on Friday, December 5th. She also reported that the annual holiday parade will be a major attraction this year because Santa got a new sleigh built for him by Rotary member, Ken Singer. Santa will take Santa requests that night following the tree ceremony in his brand new chair that was donated and reupholstered for him. Costume characters and a stage will be arranged for Santa at the Hughesville Fire Hall on Sunday afternoon, December 7 for the children’s Christmas party.

Due to time restraints and loss of revenue, the GHBA will not be sponsoring the Halloween parade this year. According to Holmes the parade will be cancelled unless another organization takes over the event. “It is too cost prohibitive for us,” she said. “I am waiting to see if the Borough would pick up the costs. Rotary is not interested.”

More efforts will be spent towards the Christmas parade gathering floats and community participation to bring more customers downtown for shopping the Five to Drive.