Actor, comedian and singer Jim Belushi is “Rockin’ the Night Aweigh” as Grand Marshal for 2008.
Author: Q Branch
Commodore: Jim Dunn
2007
Winterfest Flashback to 2007
“Magical Movie Moments”
In 2007, “Magical Movie Moments” theme brings Winterfest into a “New Beginning” with the parade’s staging area moving to Downtown Fort Lauderdale on the New River. For the first time in the parade’s history, parade participants are docked during staging along the New River instead of floating in position in Port Everglades.
After navigating the New River the Winterfest Boat Parade resumes its original route as it rejoins the Intracoastal Waterway and continues north to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach. This expansion of the Parade opened the doors to Winterfest events expanding into the downtown area. The parade also added a new dimension with many of its events streamed live on the internet.
Watercolor artist Pat Anderson creates a poster to mark this historic event along with a colorful map of the new route and a commemorative ornament.
The 2nd Annual Winterfest White Party finds a cultural home at the Museum of Art Fort Lauderdale featuring the Radio City Rockettes.
Parade Theme: “Magical Movie Moments” –December 17th
THE PEOPLE OF WINTERFEST
Grand Marshal: Lorraine Bracco
Honored at Black Tie Ball: Marge (Belle of the Ball) and Max Osceola, Jr.
Poster and Ornament Artist: Pat Anderson
Boat Parade Co-Chairs: Ryan Campbell and John Haley
Ball Chair: Susan Renneisen
Shoreline Chair: Rosalie Wheatley
Grandstand Chairman: Paul Kahn
Control Boat Chair: Lee Bell
Ham Operator Chair: Robin Terrill
Carolyn McLaughlin Volunteer Spirits Award Winner: Skip Margerum
Chairman of the Board: Gary Correll
President/CEO: Lisa Scott-Founds
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Winterfest introduces mascot Skip Ahoy (Austen Read and Michael Keleher)
Grand Marshal: Lorraine Bracco
In 2007, Winterfest welcomes as Grand Marshal Academy Award and Emmy nominated Sopranos star Lorraine Bracco.
Parade Start Moves to the Downtown
The Parade’s staging area moves to Downtown Fort Lauderdale on the New River
Ahoy There, Skippy!
Winterfest introduces mascot Skip Ahoy
2006
Winterfest Flashback to 2006
“Taste of Paradise”
In 2006, Winterfest added a new event, “Taste of Paradise”, to the Celebration’s calendar. Along with poster artist Charles Fazzino, Winterfest worked with ArtServe and another national artist, Jules Burt, during the two-day art show at Seminole Paradise.
Parade Theme: “Broadway on the Waterway” – 35 years of Holiday Magic – December 16th
THE PEOPLE OF WINTERFEST
Grand Marshal: Frankie Valli
Commodore and Poster Artist: 3-D artist Charles Fazzino
Belle of the Ball: Nancy Daly
Ornament Artist: Pat Anderson
Boat Parade Chairman: Ryan Campbell
Ball Chairs: Lori Macala and Susan Renneisen
Shoreline Chair: Rosalie Wheatley
Grandstand Chairman: Paul Kahn
Control Boat Chair: Lee Bell
Ham Operator Chair: Robin Terrill
Carolyn McLaughlin Volunteer Spirits Award Winner: Linda Blair
Chairman of the Board: Rob Kornahrens
President/CEO: Lisa Scott-Founds
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Winterfest gets a new leader: Lisa Scott-Founds. A Florida native and avid swimmer, Lisa grew up on the water, so it’s only natural that she would be attracted to the boat parade. Volunteering on the marketing committee at Winterfest since 1987 and working as the Executive Director since 1996, Lisa has been instrumental in making Winterfest “The Best Show on H2O.” Her vibrant personality and ability to bring the community together quickly has made her the face of Winterfest.
New Events – Winterfest White Party and The Fine Art of Jazz
Grand Marshal: Frankie Valli
Jersey Boy and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Inductee Frankie Valli serves as Grand Marshal 2006.
First Winterfest White Party
2006 marks the First Winterfest White (Launch) Party
Winterfest Welcomes New President/CEO
Starting as a volunteer in 1987, previous Executive Director Lisa Scott-Founds takes over the helm of Winterfest as President/CEO.