The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Boat Parade producers are thrilled to announce a talented artist and songwriter will perform his new song “Laudy Dayo!” during the Parade. This anthem celebrates Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County.
Inspired by the inclusive nature of the community, “Laudy Dayo!” embraces the idea that everyone can express themselves freely and proudly. This song encourages individuals to embrace their uniqueness and “color out loud.”
The concept and title of the song were influenced by the brilliantly worded slogan of Broward County “Everyone Under the Sun,” which has been seamlessly integrated into the lyrics.
Founded in 2017, The Winterfest Foundation is a 501(C)(3) which focuses on, but is not limited to…
Do you want to make a difference in the community of Broward County? Have a positive impact on the children of this area? The Winterfest Foundation is where your donation will make a positive difference. The mission of The Winterfest Foundation brings us closer to the society we want to live in.
Your donation sparks creativity, experience, and knowledge. Be a spark and donate.
Want to donate your time and volunteer? Email us today!
Now everyone can plan their vacations early around Winterfest. The 52nd Annual Holiday Parade continues to encourage boaters and spectators to join their celebrations year after year. The website has added details for their 2023 events as well as a separate post listing the Parade dates from 2023 to 2028.
Mark your calendars for DECEMBER 16, 2023 with the Parade starting in the Downtown Area at 6:30 PM with a pre-show of non-motorized vessels at 6:00 p.m. The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade will stage on the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale, along the docks west of Stranahan House to the Broward Center for the Performing Arts.
The Parade starts in true procession at Stranahan House, traveling East along the New River in Fort Lauderdale to the Intracoastal Waterway and continues North to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach. It’s 12 Miles of “The Most Spectacular Show on H2O.” The Parade takes approximately 2 and 1/2 hours to view from one location (starting locations stagger as you travel north).
Private boats, giant showboats, and corporate megayachts will be adorned with hundreds of thousands of lights, music, entertainment, decorations, celebrities, musical groups, beauty queens, and many other exciting entries expected to be viewed by over one million spectators. A variety of hotel packages with Parade viewing are also listed on the site.
Parade dates may change without notice – please check this page
Winterfest, Inc., producers of the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade, recently secured Fabulous Inflatables and Brandano Displays to design the Santa Showboat for the second year in a row. This Parade entry will host Santa Claus during his quick visit to South Florida and the City of Fort Lauderdale on December 16, 2023. The Santa Showboat, delivered by Amazon, will also host nominees from the Winterfest Foundation Jr. Captain Contest. These children, ages 7-16, represent the services of nonprofit organizations in Broward County. Download our app for a complete list of all 100 entries in Winterfest.
For information on how your Broward County non-profit organization can nominate a child, visit winterfestfoundation.org and scroll down the Jr. Captain section to nominate.
Look for more Parade highlights in this Captain’s Log, including our floating concert entry. winterfestparade.com
Links to the 2022 Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Television Special along with Commercials and News Stories.
2022 Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Television Special
2022 Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Vignettes
2022 Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Television Commercials
A sample of 2022 WSVN News Links:
Winterfest grand marshals announced – WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports | Fort Lauderdale
ENTER YOUR BOAT
BLACK TIE BALL
GRAND MARSHALS
TELEVISION SHOW
2022 WINTERFEST WIN A WEEKEND (out of area markets)
2022 ENTER TO WIN BORA BORA EXPERIENCE (local market)
PARADE DATE: DECEMBER 11, 2021
Look for updates on Special Awards and Remember to VOTE EVERY DAY for the People’s Choice Award
SPECIAL AWARDS INCLUDE: ROOKIE AWARD, PASSIONATE FOR PARADES AWARD (in more than one Parade – based on boaters entering the Pompano Parade), BOB LEIDER AWARD – Best in Television, KAYE PEARSON AWARD – Spirit of Innovation, BEACON LIGHTS AWARDS – Use of Moving Lights, ADMIRAL AWARD – Spirit and Enthusiasm, JOE MILLSAPS AWARD – Military Spirit, and PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD.
| # | BOAT ENTRY | CATEGORY | AWARD | SPECIAL AWARD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| D | ROMANTIC VENICE | PRESHOW | OVERALL | |
| G | MOORE PADDLEBOARDERS | PRESHOW | LIGHTS | |
| H | SOUTH FLORIDA KAYAK MEET-UP | PRESHOW | ENTERTAINMENT | PASSIONATE FOR PARADES |
| 1 | U.S. COAST GUARD 45 | GOVERNMENT | PASSIONATE FOR PARADES | |
| 1 | U.S. COAST GUARD CUTTER HUDSON | GOVERNMENT | OVERALL | |
| 2 | WINTERFEST FIREWORKS PRESENTED BY FORD | BARGE | OVERALL | |
| 3 | FORT LAUDERDALE FIRE BOAT 49 | GOVERNMENT | LIGHTS | |
| 4 | SEMINOLE HARD ROCK WINTERFEST GRAND MARSHAL SHOWBOAT PRESENTED BY FIFTH THIRD BANK | SHOWBOAT | THEME | |
| 5 | MARINE INDUSTRIES ASSOCIATION ON BOARD SUMMERWIND | CHARTER 60+ | ||
| 6 | REPUBLIC NATIONAL DISTRIBUTING COMPANY ON BOARD CATALINA | SHOWBOAT | ENTERTAINMENT | |
| 7 | AARP CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF WINTERFEST ON BOARD BALLYHOO | BARGE | LIGHTS | |
| 8 | ADVANCED ROOFING ON BOARD MILLIE | COMMERCIAL 35-59 | OVERALL | PASSIONATE FOR PARADES |
| 9 | MOBILE MIKE ON BOARD REFLECTION | COMMERCIAL 60+ | ||
| 10 | THE BEATLES ON BOARD WATER TAXI | CHARTER 20-59 | THEME | |
| 11 | WE WILL ROCK YOU ON BOARD WET DREAM | PRIVATE 35-59 | THEME | |
| 12 | THE ICE CREAM FLOAT | COMMERCIAL 20-34 | LIGHTS | |
| 13 | BISCAYNE BAY FOUNDATION | NON-PROFIT 20-34 | LIGHTS | |
| 14 | NSU STUDENT VETERANS ON BOARD STARMARKER | COMMERCIAL 35-59 | JOE MILLSAPS AWARD | |
| 15 | THE PARIS PRINCESS | PRIVATE UNDER 20 | OVERALL | |
| 16 | FELICITY | PRIVATE 20-34 | LIGHTS | |
| 17 | KARMA BROWARD ON MIDNIGHT EXPRESS | COMMERCIAL 35-59 | LIGHTS | |
| 18 | JR. CAPTAIN SHOWBOAT POWERED BY FPL & TWO MEN AND A TRUCK | SHOWBOAT | OVERALL | |
| 19 | WELLINGTON CONSERVATION CENTER ON BOARD MUSETTE | CHARTER 60+ | ||
| 20 | BALLYHOO | BARGE | THEME | |
| 21 | MR BOBB | PRIVATE 60 – 79 | OVERALL | PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD |
| 22 | WSVN ON BOARD THE VENETIAN LADY | SHOWBOAT | LIGHTS | |
| 23 | CELSIUS ON BOARD CAPRICE | CHARTER 60+ | LIGHTS | |
| 24 | THE ROCK | PRIVATE 20-34 | ||
| 25 | KEY LARGO | NON-PROFIT 20-34 | OVERALL | |
| 28 | 26′ SAILFISH | PRIVATE 20-34 | THEME | |
| 29 | POSEIDON MARINE | COMMERCIAL 20-34 | LIGHTS | |
| 30 | AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION’S TURQUOISE TAKEOVER | NON-PROFIT 35-59 | ||
| 31 | SEA SCOUTS ON BOARD SHAKE A LEG MIAMI | SAILBOAT | LIGHTS | |
| 32 | DUNN DEAL | PRIVATE 20-34 | ROOKIE | |
| 33 | TOY SOLDIERS ON BOARD OTTER | SAILBOAT | ENTERTAINMENT | |
| 34 | WAR EAGLE | NON-PROFIT 35-59 | ENTERTAINMENT | |
| 35 | NAVIGATOR | SAILBOAT 20-34 | OVERALL | |
| 36 | SAVOIR-FAIRE | PRIVATE 80+ | OVERALL | |
| 37 | THE FINE EXPERIENCE | NON-PROFIT 60+ | LIGHTS | PASSIONATE FOR PARADES |
| 38 | TWIN PEAKS ON BOARD SUNDREAM | CHARTER 60+ | ||
| 39 | KNOT ON CALL | PRIVATE 20-34 | ||
| 42 | NAUTI PILOT | PRIVATE 35-59 | LIGHTS | PASSIONATE FOR PARADES |
| 43 | REEL BUSY | PRIVATE 20-34 | ||
| 44 | SAILS CALL | PRIVATE 35-59 | ||
| 45 | KAMA SUTURE | PRIVATE 20-34 | ROOKIE | |
| 47 | SLIP N’ FALL STEVE | PRIVATE 20-34 | ||
| 48 | FPI SECURITY SERVICES ON BOARD THE SOUTH FLORIDA PRINCESS | CHARTER 60+ | ||
| 49 | CRUISIN’ TIKIS | CHARTER 20-59 | OVERALL | |
| 50 | 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF WINTERFEST | CHARTER 60+ | ENTERTAINMENT | |
| 51 | SEA TOW & THE 12 DINGHIES OF CHRISTMAS | COMMERCIAL 20-34 | OVERALL | PASSIONATE FOR PARADES |
| 52 | SEXY FISH | PRIVATE 60-79 | THEME | |
| 53 | MAGIC MOMENT | COMMERCIAL 60+ | OVERALL | PASSIONATE FOR PARADES |
| 54 | FLOCKFEST ON BOARD RUBBERDUCK | NON-PROFIT 60+ | OVERALL | |
| 55 | RISQUE CALCULE | PRIVATE 35-59 | ||
| 57 | UNDER THE SEA ON BOARD WATER TAXI | CHARTER 60+ | OVERALL | |
| 58 | WINTERFEST PATRIOTIC RED, WHITE & BLUE ON BOARD WATER TAXI | SHOWBOAT | SOUND | |
| 60 | MISS DIRECTION | PRIVATE 80+ | SOUND | |
| 61 | BROWARD COLLEGE ON BOARD WATER TAXI | COMMERCIAL 35-59 | ||
| 62 | BLUEFOOT PIRATES WITH THE FLORIDA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL | CHARTER 20-59 | SOUND | |
| 63 | DA PLUG PROMOTION | PRIVATE 20-34 | ||
| 64 | MISS NICOLE | PRIVATE 35-59 | OVERALL | |
| 65 | NEGRONI LAW GROUP ONBOARD NO PHOTOS PLEASE | COMMERCIAL 35-59 | ||
| 66 | ISLAND TIME | CHARTER 20-59 | LIGHTS | |
| 67 | ESPE FOUNDATION ON BOARD EPIC | NON-PROFIT 35-59 | LIGHTS | |
| 68 | DINING DIVAS ON BOARD COLLEEN MARIE | COMMERCIAL 35-59 | ||
| 69 | LA SIRENE | PRIVATE 35-59 | LIGHTS | |
| 70 | EL LADRILLO III | PRIVATE 80+ | LIGHTS | BOB LEIDER – Best in Television |
| 71 | DON’T STOP BELIEVIN’ | PRIVATE 60-79 | SOUND | |
| 72 | M/Y DISCO | PRIVATE 35-59 | ||
| 73 | CHABAD LUBAVITCH OF FT LAUDERDALE ON BOARD FLAMINGO | NON-PROFIT 60+ | ENTERTAINMENT | |
| 74 | MSP RECOVERY ON BOARD NAMASTE | PRIVATE 80+ | KAYE PEARSON AWARD – Spirit of Innovation | |
| 75 | TURNAROUND | PRIVATE 35-59 | SOUND | PASSIONATE FOR PARADES (Boca) |
| 76 | REEL ESTATE | PRIVATE 35-59 | ||
| 77 | AQUARIUS | PRIVATE 20-34 | ||
| 78 | REY OF SUNSHINE | COMMERCIAL 35-59 | ||
| 79 | REEL SURVIVOR | PRIVATE 35-59 | ||
| 80 | LOVE SHACK | CHARTER 20-59 | ENTERTAINMENT | |
| 82 | PADDLE PUB | COMMERCIAL 35-59 | ||
| 83 | RENAND FOUNDATION ONBOARD SOAR | NON-PROFIT 35-59 | ENTERTAINMENT | |
| 84 | MISS ADVENTURE | PRIVATE 20-34 | ||
| 85 | OMEGA PSI PHI ON BOARD THE GRAND PRINCESS | CHARTER 60+ | ||
| 86 | CLOSING TIME | PRIVATE 20-34 | LIGHTS | |
| 87 | M/Y SQUAD HOUSE | COMMERCIAL 35-59 | ||
| 88 | SEAVORCE | PRIVATE 20-34 | ||
| 89 | MARINE TOYS FOR TOTS ON BOARD STAY AFLOAT PARTY BOAT | NON-PROFIT 35-59 | LIGHTS | |
| 90 | BELLA CANDELA | PRIVATE 20-34 | ROOKIE | |
| 91 | BRANDON’S BOAT | PRIVATE 20-34 | THEME | |
| 92 | BOTTOM FEEDER | PRIVATE 20-34 | ||
| 93 | PERFECT LIFE | PRIVATE 35-59 | ROOKIE | |
| 96 | FLORIDA CHILDREN’S THEATER ON BOARD BLACK PEARL | NON-PROFIT 35-59 | OVERALL | |
| 97 | CATHOLIC HEALTH SERVICES LIVE NATIVITY ON BOARD WATER TAXI | NON-PROFIT 60+ | LIGHTS | |
| 98 | NONPROFITS & RED CROSS ON BOARD UNEXPECTED PLEASURE | SAILBOAT 60+ | OVERALL | |
| 99 | MISS PONTOON | CHARTER 20-59 | ADMIRAL AWARD – SPIRIT & ENTHUSIASM | |
| 100 | WEST MARINE BRINGS SANTA ON BOARD JUNGLE QUEEN | CHARTER 60+ | THEME |
BOARD MEMBER and 2021 BELLE OF THE BALL
Name: Renée Korbel Quinn
Company: QuinnProQuo Strategies & Communication
A South Florida resident since 1969, Renée Korbel Quinn transitioned from a successful 32 year private banking/wealth management career to founder of QuinnProQuo Strategies + Communication. She incorporates her valuable experiences into growing her clients’ businesses, connecting and creating opportunities for both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations, and promoting partnerships between the two. Specialties include business and marketing strategies, relationship management, partnerships, connectivity and community advocacy.
In 2015 Quinn founded the QPQ venture Spirited South Florida, where she curates the best in hospitality, serving up the latest trends in culinary, cocktails and craft beers and the intriguing experiences to match. As @SpiritedSFL on Instagram and Clubhouse, she brings together an international audience of over 60,000 followers. Quinn is a nationally published writer and featured columnist for Food & Beverage’s PR%F, The Magazine. Locally, she is the Savor editor and part of the dynamic writing team creating unique content for Go Riverwalk Magazine’s #BITES+SIPS print column.
Quinn has successfully created and continues to strategize programs that have raised over $7,000,000.00+ for local community organizations. Highlighted @SpiritedSFL created charitable experiences include Bourbon Hopscotch, Real Men Drink Pink, CocktailRs for a Cause, Spirited Women United and Winterfest Lounge & Learn.
Renée has been actively involved with Winterfest, Inc. since 1998 and has been a secretary/executive board member and board member since 2007. Winterfest awards include Life Preserver, Social Butterfly, Spinnaker and now, for 2021, Belle of the Ball!
BOARD MEMBER and 2021 COMMODORE
Name: Shane Strum
Company: Broward Health
Shane Strum is President and CEO of Broward Health, one of the 10 largest public health systems in the U.S.
Strum is a recognized leader with decades of executive experience. Most recently, Strum served as chief of staff to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Prior to his work with the state, Strum served as senior vice president at Memorial Healthcare System in Hollywood, Florida, where he was part of an executive team that managed over 15,000 employees and an annual budget more than $2.4 billion. He also oversaw Memorial’s strategic planning, marketing, community relations and global health functions. Before he joined Memorial’s executive team, Strum served on the South Broward Hospital District Board for several years, including two terms as chairman.
A native of Broward County, Strum’s legacy of public service has spanned nearly 30 years. During that time, Strum has led initiatives that have lowered costs of prescription drugs, expanded telehealth services, improved transparency and quality in healthcare, and increased awareness of mental health and substance abuse issues throughout the state.
In addition to his healthcare experience, Strum has exceled in higher education, having served as vice chancellor of Keiser University and director of corporate and government relations at Nova Southeastern University. He has been an active board member of the Winterfest organization for 20 years.
Strum has an MBA from Nova Southeastern University and a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Alabama.
Where does Santa Vacation?
Visit Lauderdale Knows were to find Santa –
BOARD MEMBER and CHAIR of WINTERFEST’S WHITE HOT LAUNCH PARTY
Name: Alyssa Lovitt
Company: I LOV-ITT Events
Alyssa Lovitt, founder, and CEO of I LOV-ITT Events, is a highly passionate premier event planner and business development consultant.
Alyssa has cultivated her skills by teaming with major corporations and charities in the South Florida area by aligning their vision into seamless and memorable events and productions.
Her extensive experience in the areas of corporate special event operations, social events, hospitality, sponsorship research and solicitation, community relations, and business development allows her to offer a wide range of services while delivering high-end personalized service to all clients.
Mrs. Lovitt continuously engages herself in causes to better our society and has been an asset to the structure of countless organizations such as The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Women United, and many more!
What makes I LOV-ITT Events different and special is that they offer superior quality planning and consulting services and ideas designed to create a memorable and cherished experience for everyone involved.
The consulting specialists at I LOV-ITT Events will guide you through the entire process of designing and producing successful and well-planned events.
EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBER and WINTERFEST CO-COUNSEL
Name: Johnny Williams
COMPANY: ProMOTION Sports & Entertainment
Johnny Williams Jr. is Managing Partner of ProMOTION Sports & Entertainment, a firm specializing in the implementation and production of integrated marketing programs and events for pro athletes and entertainers.
Johnny leverages his knowledge and understanding of the sports and entertainment industry, along with his extensive industry experience, to strategically align athletes and performers with corporate America by enhancing their brand and generating revenue for their philanthropic initiatives.
Mr. Williams has been successful in managing comprehensive complex projects for companies such as The Don Shula Foundation, The Super Bowl XXIX Host Committee, The PGA Tour, and Pro Series, INC. At PSI, he structured major contracts that delivered a multi-million dollar ROI for their corporate partners.
His accomplishments don’t stop there! He has been a member of the Florida Bar since 2003 and graduated from Nova Southeastern University’s Shepard College of Law, earned a MS degree in Sports Administration and Marketing from St. Thomas University and a BA degree in Communications from the State University of New York at Cortland.
Johnny has been recognized in Success South Florida Magazine as being one of South Florida’s most successful African American businessmen under 40 and in the inaugural edition of Who’s Who in Black South Florida.
The November 2021 Winterfest Wave and Have You Met powered by I LOV-ITT Events