Hughesville's only Bed and Breakfast, The Townsend House, will have an open house on Saturday afternoon, December 5th during the '5 to Drive' event.

HUGHESVILLE – It’s almost here – the annual “5 to Drive” holiday giveaway is well underway with prizes, and even a car ready to be given away. However, it does require a stamped ticket to be eligible for these donations according to members of the Greater Hughesville Business Association.

This will be the fifth year for the event with some new additions for participants to enjoy. GHBA President Suzanne Holmes reported that she is very excited about this year’s upcoming parade which will be held on Sunday, December 6th.

“Right now you can fill out a 3×5 index card at any participating business and enter your child’s information and win a chance to ride with Santa in the parade,” said Holmes. The parade at this time of year has been in existence since 2009 and Santa is always a big deal. “But we only want one Santa,” she exclaimed as the raffle for the “golden ticket” is for children ten years and under. Santa will also be making an appearance and greeting children Friday night at the annual tree lighting ceremony on the corner of Main and Water Streets and hosted by the Rotary Club of Hughesville.

The winner for the parade with Santa will be announced the same night as the tree lighting and up to 5 family members can join on the ride. “We are having the parade, rain or shine,” Holmes replied, “but no horses if it snows.”

Holmes and the committee also made arrangements with River Valley Transportation in Williamsport who will be providing a trolley for everyone to ride on Sunday afternoon, December 6th for those to do some last minute shopping before the big giveaway and Christmas cash drawing at the Hughesville Fire Hall at 6 p.m. Just look for the “trolley stop” locations up and down Main Street. “We have several new participants this year,” added Holmes, “and the trolley can take them to each one, even up to the Tivoli Tavern.” 35 businesses will be providing prizes and giveaways, all donated.

The Polar Express train display will be back at the East Lycoming Historical Society beginning November 28th during their weekend holiday hours as well as the popular horse and carriage rides provided by the Wagner family and their well liked horses, Kate & Classy. The rides will be held Sunday November 29th and December 6th. Rides will start at Murray Motors Collision Center on S. Main Street across from the historical society.

Another new addition this year is the Townsend House, Hughesville’s only Bed and Breakfast. Owned by Emily Secules and located on S. Main Street, she will be hosting a tour on Saturday afternoon, December 5th.

The children’s party at the fire hall is one of the biggest events that the GHBA plans throughout the year and its success is well dependent on the partnership with the American Legion Post 35, the Hughesville Fire Company and the many community and business donations. “Many of the donations we received are from donors who want to be anonymous,” exclaimed Holmes.

Some of the prizes throughout the ‘5 to Drive’ event will be several gift certificates including cards for gas, party packs from OIP, gift baskets, and several cash prizes with a grand prize of $1,000. Tickets for the cash are now available at participating merchants. “Be sure to check with each business for Small Business Saturday on the 28th to get something special that day,” Holmes added.