Holiday Hoopla!

Support small business and independent artisans and crafters by shopping local!

The Gulfport Merchants association presents the 6th annual Holiday Hoopla on December 13, 2014 from 10am to 6pm. A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit Operation Santa and Gulfport families in need.

The Gulfport Merchant’s Association gives back to the community all year round. During the Holiday Hoopla event donations will be collected for Operation Santa (New Toys/Gift cards, etc.), If you are able, please help these organizations in need. Collection Boxes will be located at the Casino Stage at the intersection of Beach and Shore Boulevards during the event. Prior to the event drop off locations include Gulfport Police Department and The Gulfport Area Chamber of Commerce.

Holiday Hoopla is a celebration of arts, crafts, foods, live music and roving holiday characters set in a waterfront atmosphere. Visitors will be enchanted by a variety of festive and fun holiday-themed music, holiday carolers, dance performances, and roving street performers. The festival will provide shoppers with one-of-a-kind gifts that cannot be found anywhere else, and all of your holiday shopping can be done in one place! Come early and shop the decorated streets filled with talented exhibitors and unique shops & galleries and stay late to view the Lighted Boat Parade. The Tampa Bay Beach Bums volleyball tournaments at Gulfport Beach also take place the same day at 2:00 and 5:00 pm. Additional activities include a “make and take craft section” and festive holiday costume contests in the following categories; family, adult, child and pet. Boca Ciega Yacht Club’s 29th Annual Lighted Christmas Boat Parade will provide the perfect end to the day’s festivities beginning at 6:00 pm.

Whether you’re a Gulfport resident or a visitor from out of town, there’s plenty to see and do at Gulfport’s Holiday Hoopla event. With over a half mile of shopping, food, fun, and holiday splendor this festive event has become a Tampa Bay holiday tradition!

Holiday Hoopla takes place on Beach Blvd. S. in Gulfport on December 13 from 10am to 6pm. (GPS: 5500 Shore Blvd. S., Gulfport, FL 33707) The event is sponsored by Bright House Networks, Tampa Tribune and the City of Gulfport. As always, admission and parking are gratis.

For more information, please go to http://gulfportma.com/ or call