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LEWISTOWN -- Carli Russler knows that parents love to get their children or pets photos taken with Santa Claus for the holidays.
But the long lines or high prices can make it a less than jolly experience.
Russler and neighbor Shannon McGonigle, who live in Burnham, were looking for a fundraiser for their planned SteelWorx Pump Track project, which is a new bike track they hope to build at the former Jamboree grounds in Burnham. The two working moms are part of the Every Kid Rides project non-profit.
They are holding a Photos with Santa event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday at Two Brothers Bicycle Co., 309 S. Logan Blvd., Burnham.
"We have a local photographer taking pictures, and they will be emailed to the people who have their pictures taken," Russler explained. "Two Brothers is our top-level sponsor, so we've been trying to do some things with them."
The cost is $25, which can be paid with either cash or card.
"It's hard to find a place for pictures with Santa where there are not long lines, and that it's not overwhelming (with people). Here, you get to meet Santa, and it's affordable."
And it's for a worthwhile cause.
Every Kid Rides will also have T-shirts, water bottles and other merchandise for sale. Two Brothers will offer light refreshments with free hot chocolate, candy canes and cookies.
They are also raffling off a 20-inch Trek mountain bike. Tickets cost $10.
Anyone interested in pre-paying for their photo with Santa, buying a raffle ticket or interested in making a donation, can visit everykidrides.square.site.
"Hopefully, we get a steady stream of people coming in," Russler added.
Progress is being made on the bike track project. Stone for the track was recently donated, so construction on the track should start soon, Russler said. "We still need a fence sponsor," she added. "It's been slow and steady right now. After the holiday, we will start really working on our sponsorships."
The initial $50,000 cost for the project has increased to about $62,500 due to the rising cost of asphalt. Russler said about $13,000 has been raised so far.
Phase one of the project consists of buying the dirt and other materials needed to get the pump track built along with the cost of labor. The remainder would cover the cost of paving the track.
Monetary donations can also be made at MCS Bank under Every Kid Rides or mailed to P.O. Box 3, Burnham, PA 17009. Shirts are also available at Studio Eight Apparel in Burnham.
For more information, email steelworxpumptrack@gmail.com or find them on Facebook.