Caroling in the Caverns in Grottoes this Saturday expected to be biggest yet

This weekend is the 8th annual Caroling in the Caverns in Grottoes. Grand Caverns will be filled with the sounds of the season, and people come from around the region to kick off Christmastime.

Visitors will be greeted by the Valley Brass Quintet in the parking lot and free hot chocolate from F&M Bank.

Inside the lobby, as you pick up your tickets and candles, you'll hear acoustic Christmas music by Peggy Counts and Friends.

There are three separate groups inside the caverns to visit.

"We have a handbell ensemble from Keezletown, we have bagpipes and drummers coming from the Staunton area, and we have Cantore, which is a male acapella group from the Harrisonburg area," said Mark Keeler, president of the Grottoes Ruritan Club.

Tickets are five dollars for adults, and proceeds will go toward two $1,000 scholarships for local students.

Children can bring donations of items for the South River Boys and Girls Club, such as arts and crafts or games.

"As a Ruritan group, one of the things we have worked hard on is to support the people that we have here in this community," Keeler said. "The Boys and Girls Club at South River, we're very proud of that group and what they're doing for our own community here."

Organizers are expecting this year to be the biggest yet, with 1,000 people attending.

The event starts at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, and the last tour begins at 7:45 p.m. Tickets are cash only.