HUGHESVILLE -- The holiday shopping season is in full swing here in Hughesville and businesses have a little something extra to get shoppers in the door.
It's called the "Five to Drive" holiday giveaway. All shoppers have to do is get their tickets stamped for buying something at five participating stores in downtown Hughesville.
"It's bringing different people from different towns to our community and creating a lot of buzz and excitement for shopping local," said Shelia Barto, owner of Shelia Barto's Jewelry.
Barto's Jewelry is one of a few dozen stores offering prizes and the winner of the grand prize drawing Sunday will drive home in this 2005 dodge caravan.
"There's that excitement. They win prizes from 37 different stores, the car is a wonderful draw. The merchants give back to the community that serves them. That's a wonderful thing," said Suzanne Holmes, of the Greater Hughesville Business Association.
In just its third year now, businesses here in Hughesville are starting to realize that the incentives for shoppers to come shop at their stores are paying big dividends, including here at Donna's, she said her business has increased 50 percent over the holiday season."
"The goal is to get more people shopping in town. Seen a trend back to small town businesses. People are getting tired of the big stores," said Doug Spotts, owner of Doug Spotts Appliance.
A Christmas parade and children's party is this Sunday followed by the drawing for the van and other prizes.