5 Things to Know This Week: Tree Lighting, City Council, Fresh Market

Tree Lighting Tonight: Everyone is invited to the annual event tonight, Monday, Dec. 3 at 7 p.m. at Clymer Park.

Bundle up for an evening of festive music by the Gulfport Recreation division, and join the Mayor, Council and Yvonne Johnson in caroling, a true Gulfport tradition. There will be refreshments and festive cheer as the Mayor lights the tree for another holiday season. He will be looking for a few helpers this year, so kids get ready. This is a free admission event and all are welcome! There just may be a visit from the big man in red himself to listen to your little ones Holiday wishes.

Extended Hours at Market: This Tuesday is the first Tuesday of the month and that means the weekly market will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. That's right - at night! There will be more than 50 vendors on Beach Boulevard. Also, be sure to stop by the Art Village Courtyard at 6 p.m. to watch James Clark at T and Me Tea Company perform a live cooking demonstration.

More information and photos can be found at www.gulfportma.com or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/gulfportfreshmarket.  For more information, contact Daniel Hodge at (727) 366-4086 or email dan@igc.org.

Gulfport City Council: The next Gulfport City Council meeting is on Tuesday, Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. at Gulfport City Hall. You can view the agenda on the City of Gulfport's website. Also, if you are unable to go to the meeting you can watch it live on Brighthouse Cable Channel 615 or online.

Fine Arts Friday: Don't forget, "Fine Arts Friday" is on Friday, Dec. 7 from 6 - 10 p.m. in downtown Gulfport.

“Fine Arts Friday” will create an exclusive enclave in the 2800 block of Beach Boulevard in which local artists chosen by a selection committee will show their work and demonstrate their techniques while interacting with visitors.

Boat Parade, Hoopla, Collecto-Rama: For a list of upcoming holiday events in Gulfport - including the Boca Ciega Yacht Club, Holiday Hoopla and Christmas Collecto-Rama - check out our article, "Holiday Events in Gulfport 2012."