Last year, Simply Events saw thousands of people pass through its annual Holiday Gift Expo in a matter of hours.
This year, holiday shoppers will find less chaos in the crowds. Simply Events has expanded the 2016 Holiday Gift Expo & Cookie Fest to take place over two days, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 19, and Sunday, Nov. 20.
The event, celebrating its fifth year, will be retuning to the Expo Hall at the Florida Strawberry Festival grounds.
“It’s been steadily growing each year,” Sonya Bradley, one of Simply Events owners, said. “Last year we had about 4,000 people, compared to a few hundred the first year.”
As foot traffic has increased, so has the size of the event. Simply Events has expanded the number of photo booths and photo opportunities for families. Christmas and holiday characters, including Santa and Mrs. Claus and Anna and Elsa from Disney’s “Frozen” will be wandering the grounds.
For a $5 fee, children will be able to take part in the expo’s cookie fest. The cookie fest will take place every hour over the two-day period, with 50 people allowed into the cookie fest per hour. Children can decorate cookies and enjoy face painting.
“It’s a more personal holiday experience with a photo op,” Bradley said.
While children play, adults can knock items off of their holiday shopping list. The expo will feature over 100 vendors. Local Plant City exhibitors include Creative Pieces by Helen Marie, SuperDog Outfitters, Briar Patch Designs, All About the Wreath and Fairly Odd Fairytales.
New this year is a men’s gift station. Between 10 to 12 vendors will be offering gifts geared toward men, including drones, Yeti coolers, outdoor gear and golf certificates.
Guests also can partake in a holiday craft and an ugly sweater contest.
The event encourages attendees to shop local while spending time with family.
“When you shop and support local … the dollars go back to support your community,” she said. “This is interactive and fun for the family, and it’s a way to create a fun memory. Every year we hope to keep improving it.”
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com.