The holidays have arrived at the Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce.
On Tuesday, Dec. 6, the chamber will host the 2016 Business Expo and Holiday Showcase at the John R. Trinkle Center at Hillsborough Community College.
The free event will feature over 40 vendors selling gifts for the Christmas season while guests enjoy drinks, food samples and live entertainment.
“We’re hoping for a lot of people,” Samantha Bryant, event coordinator, said.
The goal of the event is to support local Plant City businesses during the holiday season. This year, participating businesses include Nick’s Pizza, LuLaRoe and the Plant City YMCA.
“The biggest reason we do this is that it’s just another avenue for our businesses to get exposure,” Greater Plant City Chamber of Commerce President Christine Miller said. “We want people to come and get into the Christmas spirit.”
Besides shopping at local booths, guests and their families will be able to enjoy live entertainment and take photos with Santa. This year, performing musicians include Next Radical Generation (NRG), the Plant City High School jazz band and choir, Randy Scott and Lincoln Elementary Magnet School.
Businesses participating in the event have donated door prizes, including a three-month family membership to the Plant City Family YMCA. The Tampa-based catering company ACI also will be dolling out samples to guests.
Wine, beer and coffee will be available for purchase during the showcase.
While dozens of vendors have already signed up to participate in the annual event, the chamber is accepting table sign-ups through Monday, Dec. 5. The cost is $150 per table for chamber members, but non-members also are encouraged to participate.
As for members who joined the organization in 2016, tables will be offered at half-price.
Those interested in participating at the event are encouraged to contact the chamber at PlantCity.org.
Contact Emily Topper at etopper@plantcityobserver.com