The Sandy Hook Organization for Prosperity (SHOP), a group of local business owners and community members from Sandy Hook, is pleased to announce the Fifth Annual Passport to Sandy Hook. The event will take place in Sandy Hook Center on Saturday, October 10, rain or shine from 11 am to 4 pm.

More than 25 merchants have contributed toward this year’s prize packages. To be eligible to win one of the three prize packages, valued at a combined total of more than $2,000, visitors must have their passports stamped at all 25 participating locations. Locations are within walking distance of the Church Hill Road-Glen Road-Riverside Road-Washington Avenue intersection.

Three winners will be drawn at the bandstand, which will be on the sidewalk in front of 102 Church Hill Road, at 4:15 pm. The event will run rain or shine and the winners need not be present.

“Sandy Hook is a wonderful place to own a business,” said Sharon Doherty, owner of PJ’s Laundromat and a member of SHOP. “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.”

The village will come alive with exciting family-friendly activities and events at every corner. There will be fun activities for kids, a bouncy house, inflatable slide, arts and crafts, live music, dance performances, open houses, games, free food and refreshments, as well as discounts and samples.

“We are so excited to welcome everyone to Sandy Hook Village,” said Joe Hemingway, president of SHOP. “We hope that you enjoy the day in the village, and get to explore all the great shops, restaurants and other businesses that Sandy Hook has to offer.”

Visitors are also reminded that Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue will be conducting a stuff-a-truck to benefit FAITH Food Pantry. Donations of nonperishable food, or monetary donations, will be collected at a fire truck that will be parked behind 102 Church Hill Road.

“This time of year — before we get to the holiday season — is especially tough on us,” said Lee Paulson, director of the food pantry. “We truly appreciate SHOP and Sandy Hook Volunteer Fire & Rescue working together to help us out.”

Members of the fire company will again be participating in Passport to Sandy Hook, with fire prevention materials to share with all ages and the opportunity for visitors to climb into one of the company’s trucks.

Andy Sachs & The Around Town Team of Coldwell Banker Residential Real Estate will have raffles for Sandy Hook restaurant gift certificates. Mr Sachs will also will be on hand to answer real estate related questions and needs.

Special guests will include music from Unclaimed Baggage followed by One Level Down, the Newtown-Strong Therapy Dogs, and Bocker the Labradoodle.

A full list of participating merchants and more information on the event will be available soon at SandyHookVillage.com.