Gulport's 'Holiday Hoopla' Promotes Shopping Local for the Holidays

The following is a press release from the Gulfport Merchants Association:

Don't get your Tinsel in a Tangle...It's time to get your holiday cheer in gear! Support small business and independent artisans and crafters by shopping local! The Gulfport Merchants association presents the annual Holiday Hoopla on December 14, 2013 from 10am to 6pm. A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit Operation Santa and Gulfport families in need.

Holiday Hoopla is a celebration of arts, crafts, foods, live music and roving holiday characters set in a waterfront atmosphere amid bright, twinkling, colorful lights. Stroll the decorated streets filled with talented exhibitors and unique shops and galleries. 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!

Visitors will be enchanted by a variety of festive and fun holiday-themed music, holiday carolers, dance performances, and roving street performers. Many types of entertainment will perform during the Hoopla, from local school bands & Choral groups and local musicians to area performing arts groups. Roving performers include Dickens characters and carolers.

Be sure to relax after all the excitement at one of the many Downtown restaurants, pubs, and cafes.Did you know?  Gulfport was named one of six national small-town finalists in the "Best For Food" category during the 2011 Rand McNally/USA Today Road Rally?  Visit our "village" during the Holiday Hoopla event for some of the best dining choices in Tampa Bay!

 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 will soon become a Tampa Bay holiday tradition!

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.), The GulfportSenior Center Foundation (Non perishable food, toiletries & Pet Supplies) ).  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 takes place on Beach Blvd. S. in Gulfport on December 14 from 10am to 6pm. (GPS: 5500 Shore Blvd. S., Gulfport, FL 33707) The event is sponsored by Bright House Networks, Tampa Bay Times, the Industrial Arts Center and the City of Gulfport. As always, admission and parking are free.

For more information, please go to http://gulfportma.com/  or call 727-322-5217.