BARB BARRETT/The Luminary A commemorative bell was ordered from Sheila Barto's Jewelry & Gifts to give to the Golden Ticket' winner who will also ride with Santa in the Hughesville holiday parade. The 5 to Drive event will begin November 24th and is sponsored by the Greater Hughesville Business Association.

HUGHESVILLE – Each year the Greater Hughesville Business Association (GHBA) comes alive with enthusiasm and team work for the annual 5 to Drive, and this year the members have put together an itinerary of family fun starting on Black Friday, November 24th.

Participating merchants in the Hughesville area will have big tickets displayed in their storefront windows, and anyone can participate. “Just pick up your ticket at any of those locations and start shopping,” said Sheila Palmeter of Kidscycle. Only five validations are needed from a list of 30 participating sponsors to put towards a drawing that will include a pre-owned vehicle from Fairfield Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram.

A 5 to Drive committee was formed this year and they are currently organizing gift bags for the holiday Christmas party to be held on Sunday, December 3rd at the Hughesville Fire Hall.

Chairperson, Suzanne Holmes announced the guidelines for the Golden Ticket which will allow some lucky child to ride with Santa in the Christmas parade. “Enter by name and phone number only on a 3×5 index card. No addresses or ages for safety reasons,” she said. The cards can be turned into any participating business. A commemorative golden bell also will be awarded and engraved with the year 2017 and GHBA sponsorship.

Cheryl Richards, President of the organization said that 5,000 color brochures with a complete list of the events and participating businesses will be distributed throughout the area.

The event will end on Sunday, December 3rd at 4 p.m. with prize giveaways. Some of the prizes include gift cards and gift certificates from area businesses and restaurants, others are gift baskets, pottery, clothing, jewelry, tools and household items.

Children will get to visit with Santa from 2 to 3:45 p.m. at the Hughesville Fire Hall and the American Legion Post 35 will be handing out homemade cookies from Kathy’s Cafe and TJ’s Market. Holmes said to look for the two elves, a reindeer and two chipmunks.

Christmas cash giveaways are in store for many with a grand prize of one thousand dollars plus six other cash prizes. Tickets can be acquired now at various downtown local merchants such as Sheila Barto’s Jewelry & Gifts, Silver Thorn Restaurant, Country Fork or Cheri’s House of Flowers.

The East Lycoming Historical Society will be joining in the festivities once again with the Polar Express train display at the museum on Saturday and Sunday, November 25th & 26th and again December 1st & 2nd. A festive “Tree Lighting Ceremony” hosted by the Hughesville Rotary will take place on the corner of Main & Water Streets at 7 p.m. with a visit from Santa. Cookies, donuts and hot beverages will be served.

Michelle Lawson from Woodlands Bank said the trolley will be available to ride for free on Saturday, December 2nd from 10 to 2, and one will be making a stop to Katie’s Country Store and another stop at the Tivoli Tavern. “Other stops will be determined.”

The “5 to Drive” is filled with ten days of fun and a chance to enter more than one ticket. Prizes are on display at Doug Spotts Appliance. For more information visit the GHBA Facebook page.