GULFPORT - The Gulfport Merchants association presents the first-ever Holiday Hoopla! on Saturday, Dec. 5, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Holiday Hoopla is sponsored by the City of Gulfport, The Gulfport Chamber of Commerce, Brighthouse Networks, The Industrial Art Center, Domain Home Accessories, Domain Food & Spirits, SIK Promotions, Beachlife, Paradise News and The Gabber. A portion of the proceeds will benefit Operation Santa.
For the past 18 years, Gulfport’s City employees have sponsored a program called “Operation Santa” in which toys are donated to needy children that live in the city of Gulfport.
Operation Santa has always been very successful in part due to the contributions it receives. Last year, Operation Santa helped 51 families and 141 children.
The Gulfport Merchants Association will collect donations for Operation Santa until Dec. 10th. Donations may be made in the form of cash, checks, gift cards or new unwrapped gifts. Collection boxes are located at Domain Food and Spirits on the Corner of Shore and Beach Blvd, at the Gulfport Police Station and at the Main Stage during the Holiday Hoopla event. For more information, call Francine Whitten at 893-1653 or Cynthia Hayes at 893-1049.
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, and Santa & Mrs. Claus.
Stroll the decorated streets filled with up to 200 talented exhibitors and unique shops. 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! No running around to different stores or wandering thru acres of mall space, shopping can be done at a leisurely pace while finding unique one-of-a-kind items. Featuring art, crafts, jewelry, clothing, glass, wood, music, photography, toys, Christmas décor, and much more makes this a gift buyer’s delight.
The Industrial Arts Center will offer Blow Your Own Glass Masterpiece and Make a Memory sand casting from 2-6 p.m.
Enjoy 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 school bands and local musicians to area performing arts groups. Live entertainment will include Gulfport Elementary School, John Hopkins Middle School, Osceola High School, Next Exit, Gypsy Joe, and more.
Santa and Mrs. Claus will make an appearance from 3 to 6 p.m.
