HUGHESVILLE – November is a busy month for the Greater Hughesville Business Association (GHBA). A fundraiser is slated for November 4 at the Hughesville Fire Hall. Doors open at 1 p.m. for bingo featuring Michael Kors handbags, wallets and an assortment of accessories according to GHBA President, Cheryl Richards.

The event was postponed from last month to allow more time to get cash gifts. The business organization hopes to have two of these bingo fundraisers a year. One was held in the spring and was very profitable with over 85 in attendance, they said. This month the Hughesville High School band boosters will be providing food, a fundraiser for them, said Richards.

The annual Veterans Day Parade will be held this year in Hughesville on Saturday, November 10th at 2 p.m. in downtown Hughesville. Richards reminded the businesses to open their doors for this and it will be hosted by the Hughesville Borough.

The GHBA met monthly over the summer. A membership drive ended on June 15 bringing in a total of 55 business members. Sheila Palmatier from Kidscycle suggested a business meet and greet for the community, but the executive board wants to remain focused on the upcoming 5 to Drive event which is scheduled to begin on Friday, November 23rd the day after Thanksgiving. Membership participation for this closed on Sept. 28th to allow time for advertising and marketing.

The shopping extravaganza will run for ten days, ending on December 2nd. During that time a Christmas cash raffle will take place with a drawing on Sunday, December 2nd offering a grand prize of $1,000. Second prize will be $500, and there will be seven prizes for third place each at $100. The tickets are being distributed now and can be purchased at participating businesses, or stop in Cheri’s House of Flowers at 16 N. Main Street in Hughesville. All proceeds will benefit student scholarships, the 5 to Drive car giveaway, and the children’s Christmas party and holiday parade. “141 bags of candy were handed out last year,” Richards said. Donations will be collected in a boot for the fire company during the children’s party as they are donating the facility for the event.

Detailed plans for the make of the car giveaway and donated prizes will be announced closer to the time of the 5 to Drive.

Richards announced that new officers will need to be elected for 2019, or before May 1st when the new year starts for the organization.

The next meeting will be held Tuesday, Oct. 23 and Nov. 6 at Country Fork Restaurant at 6 p.m.