Gulfport Holiday Hoopla (All Day Street Event)

Saturday December 10, 2011, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm

Holiday Hoopla!

Don’t get your Tinsel in a Tangle!
December 10, 2011

GULFPORT, FL---Don’t get your Tinsel in a Tangle!

It's time to get your holiday cheer in gear! Feeling Scrooge-y? A fun-filled festival will do the trick. Support small business by shopping local!

The Gulfport Merchants Association presents the 3rd annual Holiday Hoopla!

A portion of the proceeds from the event on December 10th 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, and Santa & Mrs. Claus.

Stroll the decorated streets filled with up to 200 talented exhibitors and unique shops. T

he 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, Your Total Entertainment street atrists and Spotlight Amusements will be on site with children’s amusement rides and games.

Oh, yeah, and the big guy in the red suit and Mrs. Claus will be there, too, from 1-6pm, and will be available for photos with children adults and pets! 

Boca Ciega Yacht Club’s, 26th Annual Lighted Christmas Boat Parade takes place following the festival.

Members spend many hours planning and then decorating their boats in hopes of sharing the holiday spirit with the surrounding communities.  

The parade will begin by entering the Gulfport Municipal Marina at approximately 6:00pm.  It will then travel past the William's Pier in Gulfport and into the canals of Town Shores Condominiums and Pasadena Yacht Club Estates. 

This year Isla Del Sol Yacht and Country Club will be included on the route.  The parade will cross the bay and pass by the club docks before returning to BCYC. 

For those non-members who do not wish to return to your home port, please feel free to use the club's T-Docks so you can easily join us for the post parade celebration party.

There is an entry fee of two unwrapped toys or a donation can be made. 

Each year toys are collected for "Operation Santa," and presented to Gulfport's Police Department for distributing to needy children. 

Sail and power boats are welcome to join in the fun. 

There will be a sign up board posted at the club, 4600 Tifton Drive South. 

Entry forms will be available the night of the parade. Donated prizes are awarded to the participants during the post parade party, always to a clubhouse filled with family and friends.

For information regarding participation or to sponsor this parade, please contact Barb Meyer (727) 430-7241 or visit sailbcyc.org.

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 Gulfport Senior Center Foundation (Non perishable food & toiletries) and Gulfport’s Get Rescued (Pet Food & Cat litter). 

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.

Brighten your holidays with a visit to Beach Blvd. in Gulfport at the Holiday Hoopla, on December 10th, 2011 from 10 am to 6 pm! FREE. Sponsored by Bright House Networks, The St. Petersburg Times and the City of Gulfport.

For more information, please call 727-322-5217.

Contact: Suzanne King - 727-322-5217 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it