HOUGHTON — Mark your calendar and join us on Wednesday, Dec. 11 for the fifth annual collaborative holiday celebration with a cause! This year, Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce, Keweenaw Young Professionals (KYP), Keweenaw Economic Development Alliance (KEDA), and The Continental Fire Company are joining forces to host the Keweenaw Holiday Hoopla.

The reason for this seasonal gathering is more than just good cheer, tasty food, and networking, as it hopes to raise funds to provide local scholarships.

The event will be held on Wednesday, Dec. 11 at the Continental Fire Company, 408 E Montezuma Avenue, beginning at 6 p.m. Admission to the event is $30 and guests are encouraged to pre-register through the Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce website: www.keweenaw.org.

“This event is a great opportunity to come together and celebrate the season and our community. Attendees will have the opportunity capture some memories at KYP’s holiday photo booth, enjoy tasty hors d’oeuvres, listen to music, and connect with local community members,” explains Tara Arens, Manager of the Keweenaw Chamber of Commerce. “It’s great to see the community support of this event over the years and the commitment to raising funds to support local trades scholarships.”

During the event KEDA will be hosting their annual silent auction including various products and services donated by local businesses to support their High School Skilled Trades Scholarship Program. The funds raised go towards providing scholarships to graduating seniors going into an industrial, construction or skilled service trade training program.

“Since 2013, KEDA has awarded 54 scholarships totaling $32,750.” said Jeff Ratcliffe, Executive Director of KEDA. “This is only possible because of the generosity of all the businesses in Baraga, Houghton, and Keweenaw Counties.” Students and parents are encouraged to contact their respective high school or KEDA for more information on the scholarship program and an application.

“The Holiday Hoopla has become one of our favorite events each year,” said Briana Tucker, Co-Chair of the Keweenaw Young Professionals. “It has been exciting to watch the event grow throughout the last few years. The snow never stops our community members from attending to connect and grow together.”

The Continental Fire Company has agreed to host this fundraiser again this year and the event will feature delicious appetizers including steak sliders, stuffed mushrooms, and desserts. The event will be held in the upper level bar and a cash bar will be available. Dan Fuhrmann Trio will be playing live music throughout the night, sponsored by the Portage Health Foundation.