HUGHESVILLE – Look for those green tickets on the store counters in downtown Hughesville. They are raffle tickets offering cash prizes. Three thousand of them have been printed and a Christmas cash giveaway will be part of the drawing for the annual 5 to Drive event on Sunday, December 7.

Many businesses and service organizations are helping to raise money for more student scholarships and other community projects that will help promote education and recreational opportunities.

“Our goal is to reach 12 thousand dollars for our scholarship fund,” said Suzanne Holmes, President of the Greater Hughesville Business Association (GHBA). The fundraiser raffle will also benefit the holiday parade and the children’s Christmas party.

First prize is fifteen hundred dollars. “All member merchants will be selling the chances,” Holmes said. “And you do not have to be present to win.”

The holidays are the best time of year for the GHBA, although it is a partnership with Rotary, the Historical Society and the American Legion to host nine days worth of family entertainment.

Starting Friday, November 28 the Five to Drive shopping extravaganza will begin. Shoppers will have an opportunity to participate in a drawing to win a car donated by Fairfield Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram in Muncy. Twenty seven area businesses will be ready to validate tickets in the 5 to Drive. Only 5 validations are required to enter the car giveaway on December 7 at 6 p.m. and will take place at the Hughesville Fire Hall. Some of the participants include restaurants, and a grocery store. So there is plenty of opportunity to get involved and win something according to Holmes.

An array of prizes to be awarded for the event can be seen on display at Doug Spotts Appliance Center on N. Main Street.

On Friday, Saturday and Sunday a toy tractor and holiday Barbie collection will be on display at the East Lycoming Historical Society. Visitors will be able to watch a 1950s O-gauge train circle the HO scale train track, view artifacts, and discover treasures at the gift shop.

Throughout the week and into the following weekend, visitors are welcome to browse the stores, some serving holiday treats and many providing holiday sounds and music in the air. On Sundays Nov. 29th and Dec. 7th Jesse and Anita Wagner will be giving horse and carriage rides starting at Murray Motors on Main Street from 10 to 4.

A tree lighting ceremony sponsored by the Hughesville Rotary is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 7 at the corner of Main and Water Streets in the gazebo. Santa will arrive in his new sleigh and church choirs will be caroling traditional holiday favorites as they welcome Santa’s visit. Hot beverages and cookies will be served while children whisper in Santa’s ear their holiday wishes for Christmas morning.

Sunday, December 7th will be the busiest day. A parade will march through town, rain or shine and will deliver Santa to the Hughesville Fire Hall where he will greet families and children at 2 p.m. with a special treat. But watch out for the dancing elves.

The children’s Christmas party will be hosted by the American Legion Post 35 and the GHBA. Little helpers are busy baking cookies to hand out to all the children. And finally, over 30 prizes will be announced to the winners, as well as the drawing of the Christmas cash and a car.