Sandy Hook Organization for Prosperity (SHOP), a group of local business owners and community members from Sandy Hook, is bringing its sixth annual Passport event to the Sandy Hook Center Saturday, October 8, from 11 am to 4 pm.

According to organizer Maribeth Hemingway, visitors to Sandy Hook Center that day will be offered "passport" flyers that can be stamped as they visit participating businesses. Completed passports can then be entered into a drawing for one of three prize packages worth a total of $2,500.

"Sandy Hook is a special place," said SHOP President Joe Hemingway. "Passport is a great opportunity for people to come, enjoy the day, and celebrate all that Sandy Hook has to offer. We have over 30 businesses participating this year - some new, and many returning. This event grows every year and is always an exciting day."

The event is sponsored by Connecticut rock station 99.1-WPLR, Newtown Savings Bank, LRM Landscape Contractors, and Andy Sachs and The Around The Town Team of Coldwell Banker. Live music from two bands, Unclaimed Baggage and The Bobby Donaldson Band, will continue throughout the day, along with giveaways or discounts at local shops, samples from dining establishments, face painting, a bounce house, special visits from the Newtown Strong Therapy Dogs, and other activities.

"Sandy Hook is a wonderful place to own a business," said Sharon Doherty, owner of PJ's Laundromat. "I am looking forward to welcoming frequent visitors and new faces. It's a fun day for people of all ages to be in Sandy Hook."

During the event, Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue will have a fire truck and firefighters on hand. The truck will serve as both a "touch-a-truck" for participants to enjoy, as well as a "stuff-a-truck." The Passport event is free, but participants are asked to bring a nonperishable food item to help stuff the truck, which will then be donated to FAITH Food Pantry.

For details, visit the SHOP page on Facebook (www.facebook.com/experiencesandyhook), or sandyhookvillage.com.