Tampa | For the fourth year in a row, The Ritz Ybor will usher in the holidays with a free event for the entire community. And this year, it will run in conjunction with Ybor City’s tree lighting ceremony.
On Wednesday, Nov. 28, The Ritz Ybor will once again host Miracle on 7th. The party begins immediately after the Historic Spirit Holiday tree lighting ceremony in Centro Ybor at 6 p.m. While The Ritz Ybor is home to many LGBT employees and LGBT-friendly acts, the holiday party is not limited to any one community.
“The Ritz Ybor management team and corporate office decided to put on a free community and holiday party for Ybor City four years ago,” said Okie Tilo, director of marketing and public relations for the historic theater. “It spotlights Ybor City every year and it’s just a way to celebrate the holidays.”
It also helps raise money for the Pediatric Cancer Foundation, a Tampa-based non-profit organization dedicated to funding research to eliminate childhood cancer.
This year, The Ritz Ybor and the Radiant Group hope to raise $125,000 for the organization. And the goal is to do that by hosting a 100% free event!
A large number of prizes have been donated from businesses and groups from throughout Tampa Bay and the money raised for raffle tickets will be donated directly to the PCF. “It’s an opportunity to celebrate the holidays and do some good at the same time,” Tilo said. “Another reason why The Ritz Ybor began Miracle on 7th was as a response to several companies downsizing and not doing holiday parties. This way those companies and their employees can come enjoy some drinks, free food and some great entertainment.Bands, acting troupes and performers will round out a full night of entertainment on The Ritz Ybor stage.
“We have a group of carolers coming in, singers from Talent Quest Florida, Event Show Productions will present portions of its Holiday Inc., show and we have the Copeland Steppers” said Carla Vaughan, who handled the bookings for the Miracle on 7th showcase.
“The entire Miracle on 7th event will be held inside The Ritz Ybor, so weather will not be a factor. Vaughan added that emcees will invite those attending the tree-lighting to continue celebrating at the theater afterward.
Tilo expects it to be a busy night, especially since the tree lighting attracted such a large crowd last year. “After the ceremony last year a lot of patrons were looking for something to do,” Tilo said. “They wanted to grab food and continue having fun. We’re providing both.”
Three area Ybor City businesses have volunteered to cater the event – Bernini’s, Sunday’s and the Green Iguana. Chef DuJour from Sarasota will also provide some appetizers throughout the evening.
Their generosity fits into the theme of the night. All of the entertainers have also agreed to donate their time. “They’re doing their part to give back,” Vaughan said. And even if holiday music isn’t your thing, Miracle on 7th may be something worthy of your time. Vaughan said holiday music will be prevalent, but there will be plenty of other music as well.
The music will offer a flavor of the holidays,” she said. “But it won’t saturate it.”
Entry into Miracle on 7th is free and 100% family friendly. Santa and Mrs. Claus are scheduled to appear and children – young and old – can get their picture taken with the Christmas celebrities.
For more information, visit The Ritz Ybor on Facebook or go to TheRitzYbor.com.
