ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — For the first time since she was crowned Miss Florida in 2003, before going on to become Miss America, Ericka Dunlap returns to the Mahaffey Theater Dec. 20 for a special performance.
Dunlap was the first African-American woman to be crowned Miss Florida.
“I can’t believe it’s that long, but I’m super excited to be here, and I’m even more excited to celebrate my 20 years with my Christmas show,” said Dunlap.
The show is called A Christmas With Soul, and this week, hundreds of students from around Tampa Bay got a sneak peek of what they can expect. It’s all part of the Bill Edwards Foundation for the Arts.
“It's very exciting and very special, and I think she is an inspiration to people who want to follow their dreams, and we are running a campaign right now to raise half a million dollars for this program,” said Amy Miller, president for the foundation.
Due to challenging economic backgrounds, many of these students wouldn’t have this kind of access without the foundation.
“I’m so very grateful for the connection they made with the community, and I did the same thing with Orlando, and I wanted to do the same thing in the St. Pete/Tampa area,” said Dunlap.
No one appreciated Dunlap’s appearance more than the lucky group of young performers who had the opportunity to sing and dance alongside her.
“I think it’s really cool, and I hope we get to do more stuff like this in the future,” said Emma Jenkins.
“I just think it's a really fun thing to be doing and get to show all of our talent and our amazing group in front of a bunch of people,” said Waverly Wheaton.
Dunlap said she was delighted to share the stage.
“This is where it all gets started, so hopefully, I am planting a seed in the hearts of some young person who wants to do performances and wants to be an entertainer and wants to be a part of the arts,” said Dunlap.
In between all the songs, students had the chance to make their own holiday artwork, visit a Christmas-themed petting zoo, and, of course, say hello to Santa.
“It just makes my heart so happy because a couple of years ago, these things wouldn’t have happened, so now that we have an opportunity, we really have to enjoy it,” said Quinn Danek.
A Christmas With Soul, starring Ericka Dunlap, takes place on Dec. 20 at the Mahaffey Theater. For more information and tickets, go to www.themahaffey.com or www.billedwardsfoundationforthearts.org.
“You have to be ready for the most amazing night of your Christmas holiday, phenomenal singers, dancers, costumes, quick changes, just a very extravagant exciting experience for everybody,” said Dunlap.
