Submitted photo The Mifflin County Music Boosters are holding a Holiday Expo at Mifflin County High School on Saturday. Former high school band members Emily Bowersox (from left) Brandon Winkle, Breana Shattuck and Samantha Alexander were certainly feeling festive.

LEWISTOWN — The next time you hear the soulful sounds of a high school singer, the dynamic runs of a jazz trumpeter or even the cadence of a marching drummer, remember that 3.6 million students do not have access to music education in schools today, according to the Arts Education Data Project.

The Mifflin County Music Boosters are determined to make certain Mifflin County public schools don’t become a statistic. That’s why they support all of the school’s student music programs.

In order to do so, they need vital funding.

One of the boosters’ main fundraisers is the upcoming 12th Annual Mifflin County Music Boosters Holiday Expo, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 8 at the high school, located at 501 Sixth St. in Lewistown.

“We will have many vendors, live music and food,” said Leah Riden, vice president of the Mifflin County Music Boosters. “There’s a good variety of vendors and crafters.” It’s going to be one-stop shopping.

More than 50 vendors, crafters, artists and local businesses will be set up in the school commons as well as in the hallways and the auxiliary gym. The boosters will also be manning the concession stand.

Plus, Santa Claus is scheduled to make his annual appearance from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and will pose for photos. A silent auction will be held in the lobby area and raffles include giveaways for boys and girls bicycles.

“Our vendors have donated a variety of handcrafted items that will be available to bid on,” Riden said of the items up for bid during the silent auction.”

One of the highlights of the event is the entertainment, which will take place in the commons and feature mostly high school students from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Admission and parking for the event are free. Donations will be accepted at the door. For more information, find the music boosters on Facebook.