NEWS RELEASE

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Kathy Keleher, Winterfest, Inc.
954-767-0686, kathy@winterfestparade.com
Karli Florence, Office Assistant
info@winterfestparade.com
Website: winterfestparade.com
FB: winterfest.parade
X/Instagram: WinterfestInc
#WinterfestFL

Download as .docx

Broward County, Fort Lauderdale, FL (Friday, September 29, 2023) The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade producers are thrilled to announce that Winterfest, Inc. is bringing something truly unique and exciting to this year’s Parade! Get ready to experience the incredible talent of Alexander Star, an Emmy^®-nominated singer, rap artist, and musical humanitarian on a showboat transformed into a traveling concert on water. 

Alexander Star, a South Floridian for the past 20 years, is known for his ability to uplift and spread love through his music. His authentic and inspiring lyrics have touched the hearts of many, and his performances are nothing short of spectacular. 

Backed by his band, The Golden People, Alexander Star delivers a fusion of hip-hop, R&B, reggae, rock, and pop that will have everyone grooving to the beat. Whether you’re a fan of his music or new to his sound, his live shows are dynamic, inclusive, and suitable for all audiences.

But Alexander Star’s impact goes beyond the stage. He has dedicated over ten years to mentoring students and helping them write and record their original songs with a purpose. His experience working with at-risk teens has sharpened his ability to empower others, which shines through in his music.

In addition to his musical endeavors, Alexander Star has created anthems for numerous organizations that make a difference in our local communities. From 211 Broward to Feeding South Florida, he uses his talent to support causes that truly matter.

Now, in collaboration with Visit Lauderdale and Winterfest, Alexander Star is creating the official anthem for Greater Fort Lauderdale! This anthem will represent our vibrant and diverse community, and we couldn’t be prouder. Winterfest supporters will have the chance to hear it live at the Grand Marshal Reception on December 15th, and the unveiling of the song to the public will be as the band performs it on the Visit Lauderdale decorated ‘concert showboat” onboard the Island Adventure Water Taxi at the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade on December 16th.

So, please mark your calendars and join us in celebrating the incredible talent of Alexander Star and all the decorated entries at the Parade. It’s an event you will want to attend! So, Get Onboard!

For a current list of boats and other Winterfest celebrations, visit winterfestparade.com or call 954-767-0686 to participate.

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PHOTOS OF ALEXANDER STAR: A. Star Pics for Winterfest – Google Drive

About Winterfest, Inc. 

Winterfest is a Florida not-for-profit organization based in Broward County that produces a variety of events including the free public event known as the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade – “The World’s Most Watched Boat Parade.” Approximately one million spectators view the Parade on the 12-mile route along with millions more via television and the internet bringing National and International recognition to South Florida.  Winterfest also hosts annual events to enhance the community’s image and provide unique, wholesome family entertainment. For more information on Winterfest, please contact the office at (954) 767-0686 or their website: www.winterfestparade.com.

About Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood

Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood is the flagship-integrated resort of Hard Rock International, owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. The renowned entertainment, gaming and hospitality destination unveiled a $1.5 billion expansion in 2019, highlighting the debut of the world’s first and only Guitar Hotel. Between three hotel towers, the resort boasts 1,271 luxury guestrooms. Amenities include a 42,000 square-foot Rock Spa^® & Salon; an 18-acre recreational water experience; private “Bora Bora” style cabanas; more than 20 food and beverage outlets; an expansive gaming floor with more than 2,700 slots, more than 200 table games and a 45-table poker room; 120,000 square feet of premier meeting and convention space; and a 26,000 square-foot retail promenade. Hard Rock Live, ranked No. 5 worldwide in 2022 gross revenue for both Pollstar Magazine and Billboard in its respective categories, highlights A-list entertainers and performers, sporting events and live broadcast productions in an intimate 7,000-person capacity setting. Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood is located on 87 acres of the Hollywood Seminole Reservation along State Road 7 (U.S. Highway 441). For more information, visit us online at www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com call (800) 937-0010 or follow us: Facebook: SeminoleHardRockHollywood, X: @HardRockHolly, Instagram: @HardRockHolly. 

About Visit Lauderdale

Visit Lauderdale is the official destination marketing organization for Greater Fort Lauderdale and serves as the tourism department for Broward County, Florida. Visit Lauderdale promotes the area’s 31 municipalities to a global audience of leisure and business travelers as the ideal place for Everyone Under the Sun in recognition of the area’s diverse and welcoming vibe, and books conventions into the Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County Convention Center and area hotels and resorts. Find more information at visitlauderdale.com and follow @VisitLauderdale on Facebook, Instagram, X, and YouTube.

About Alexander Star

Alexander Star is an Emmy^®-nominated singer, rap artist, musical humanitarian, and South Floridian of 20 years. Known to “give hope while being dope,” Star writes music as a tool to uplift, spread love, and highlight the ‘inner glow’ he sees in people through an authentic lens. His music is featured in Super Bowl campaigns, prime-time television shows, international brand anthems, and beyond.Alexander Star’s live shows are dynamic, inclusive, and suitable for all audiences. Backed by his band – appropriately dubbed The Golden People for their desire to transmit value through their songs – Star delivers a robust hybrid of hip-hop, r&b, reggae, rock & pop vibrations. In addition to their headline shows, Alexander Star & The Golden People have opened in concert for global acts such as Earth, Wind & Fire, Black Violin, and Koffee.

NEWS RELEASE

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Kathy Keleher, Winterfest, Inc.
954-767-0686, kathy@winterfestparade.com
Karli Florence, Office Assistant
info@winterfestparade.com
Website: winterfestparade.com
FB: winterfest.parade
X/Instagram: WinterfestInc
#WinterfestFL

Download as .docx

Broward County, Fort Lauderdale, FL (Thursday, October 12, 2023)  – Get ready for an unforgettable night as Winterfest^® presents its highly anticipated Launch Party presented by GrayRobinson. Set to take place on October 14 from 7 to 10 pm at the luxurious Fort Lauderdale Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa. This exclusive event will feature an array of exciting elements, including live entertainment, a taste of exquisite cuisine and an immersive virtual experience by FutureTech and LG.

Renowned artists Melle Mel and Scorpio from Grand Master Flash and the Furious Five will grace the stage, delivering a thrilling performance that will have everyone dancing the night away. Additionally, the event will include the Parade’s Grand Marshal announcement by the Parade’s title sponsor the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino later in the evening.

Guests will have the opportunity to indulge in the culinary delights of Casa Calabria, the featured restaurant for the evening. Frank Talerico, the mastermind behind Casa Calabria’s exquisite cuisine, will be present to showcase the restaurant’s unique flavors and signature dishes. Complimenting the gastronomic experiences are the following local restaurants: 3030 Ocean, Billy’s Stone Crab, Mimi’s Ravioli, Timpano, Carl’s Seafood, Eddie V’s, Piazza Italia, Fogo de Chao, Sea Level and Flemings.

In partnership with FutureTech and LG, Winterfest is taking the event experience to the next level with a virtual experience. Guests will step into a world of cutting-edge technology and embark on a journey that will captivate your senses and expand your horizons.

Capturing the excitement visual highlights and soundbites, WSVN Channel 7 will be conducting interviews with key figures, including Christopher Bielski from Fort Lauderdale Harbor Beach Marriott Resort & Spa, Frank Talerico from Casa Calabria / Ocean Manor Beach Resort, Robyn Vines from Gray Robinson, PA, Stacy Ritter from Visit Lauderdale and Britt Lanier, Parade Chairman. EyeOnSouthFlorida will be uploading their experience on their digital platform throughout the weekend.  

The main room will be a sight to behold, with Republic National Distributing, Stella Artois and LaCroix Sparkling Waters showcasing their finest on the bar. To capture the memories, the Water Taxi Photo Booth will be available along with bling from Carroll’s Jewelers. 

As a nod to the 20 years of the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino as the title sponsor of the Parade, Grand Marshal Reception and Black Tie Ball, Winterfestt^® has created a memory lane of Grand Marshal cut-outs mixed with characters from Pomp, Snow, & CIRQUEumstance
Want to be a part of all the Winterfest^® celebrations? Sponsorship is your ticket to all the events. Call Winterfest^® at 954.767.0686 or info@winterfestparade.com.

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About Winterfest, Inc. 

Winterfest is a Florida not-for-profit organization based in Broward County that produces a variety of events including the free public event known as the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade – “The World’s Most Watched Boat Parade.” Approximately one million spectators view the Parade on the 12-mile route along with millions more via television and the internet bringing National and International recognition to South Florida.  Winterfest also hosts annual events to enhance the community’s image and provide unique, wholesome family entertainment. For more information on Winterfest, please contact the office at (954) 767-0686 or their website: www.winterfestparade.com.

About Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood is the flagship-integrated resort of Hard Rock International, owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. The renowned entertainment, gaming and hospitality destination unveiled a $1.5 billion expansion in 2019, highlighting the debut of the world’s first and only Guitar Hotel. Between three hotel towers, the resort boasts 1,271 luxury guestrooms. Amenities include a 42,000 square-foot Rock Spa^® & Salon; an 18-acre recreational water experience; private “Bora Bora” style cabanas; more than 20 food and beverage outlets; an expansive gaming floor with more than 2,700 slots, more than 200 table games and a 45-table poker room; 120,000 square feet of premier meeting and convention space; and a 26,000 square-foot retail promenade. Hard Rock Live, ranked No. 5 worldwide in 2022 gross revenue for both Pollstar Magazine and Billboard in its respective categories, highlights A-list entertainers and performers, sporting events and live broadcast productions in an intimate 7,000-person capacity setting. Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood is located on 87 acres of the Hollywood Seminole Reservation along State Road 7 (U.S. Highway 441). For more information, visit us online at www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com call (800) 937-0010 or follow us: Facebook: SeminoleHardRockHollywood, X: @HardRockHolly, Instagram: @HardRockHolly

NEWS RELEASE

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Kathy Keleher, Winterfest, Inc.
954-767-0686, kathy@winterfestparade.com
Website: winterfestparade.com
FB: winterfest.parade
Twitter/Instagram: WinterfestInc
#WinterfestFL

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL (October 22, 2022) – South Floridians know the holidays are here when the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest^® Boat Parade comes to town. The Gray Robinson, P.A. Winterfest^® Launch Party, recently held at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa, gave guests a taste of the neon glow and glamour they should expect in December. A video produced by Hotwire Communications started the evening with event and Parade highlights, followed by the unveiling of the commemorative poster by Dennis Friel and announcement of the Grand Marshals.

Culinary creations featured Casa Calabria Restaurant, along with other local establishments such as 3030 Ocean, Andy’s Live Fire Grill, Billy’s Stone Crab, Eddie V’s, Mimi’s Ravioli, Piazza Italia, Fogo de Chao, Sea Level, Timpano, and BK Lobster. Republic National Distributing Company highlighted their brands with decadent cocktails created with 13 Celsius, Benziger Tribute, Chloe and Cupcake Wines, Brugal 1888, Cointreau, Deep Eddy Vodka, Fireball Whisky, Remy Martin, Happy Dad along with Stella Artois, and a sampling of LaCroix Sparkling Water and Celsius energy drinks complimented the Neuvana Lounge.

Event Chairwomen Alyssa Lovitt of I LOV-ITT Events, LLC. and Gray Robinson P.A. partner, Robyn Vines, welcomed guests with Winterfest^® President & CEO, Lisa Scott-Founds and Winterfest^® Chairman Mark Swenson as the under the sea themed room peaked the excitement of the attendees for this year’s Parade.

Y-100’s Drew kept the entertainment flowing with Ivan Rodriguez Productions. Performances by Steven Avi on his neon-lighted violin, and sea and neon character photo ops from Florida Children’s Theatre and Pomp, Snow & CIRQUEumstance, Cirque Dreams Holidaze, and more. Guests made a splash as they entered Robinson’s Jewelers Grand Entrance.

Celebrities who attended the event:

• Parade Captain – Bravo’s Below Deck: Captain Lee
• Miss Florida USA – Taylor Fulford
• Miss Florida Teen USA – Alyssa Khan
• City of Fort Lauderdale Mayor Dean Trantalis
• Broward County Mayor Michael Udine

Visual highlights of the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest^® Boat Parade were featured on the screens. Here are a few of the Parade showstoppers coming to South Florida’s waterways on December 10^th:

• Kroger Delivery Fireworks Barge
• Fifth Third Bank Grand Marshal Showboat, with the City of Fort Lauderdale, featuring the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest^® Boat Parade Grand Marshals – Taylor Dayne, Joey Fatone and Chris Kirkpatrick. 
• Republic National Distributing Company Holiday Cheer Entry
• Jr. Captain powered by FPL, moved by TWO MEN AND A TRUCK
• Santa onboard Jungle Queen
• WSVN Channel 7 Super Bowl Entry
• Freedom Waters
• Nutcracker 
• Winterfest^® Neon Nightlife Under the Sea “Octopus Garden” show float
• Aqua-Flight fire show
• Dinghies of Christmas with Winterfest^®
• Blue Foot Pirate Tours with Florida Renaissance Festival
• Florida Children’s Theatre boat
• Rudolph in the Parade Sing-along entry
• Karaoke Show Float
• H-PROOF
• Blah Face, LLC
• Sony Music’s new Country Duo Tigirlily on board Breezy Tiki

For more information on how you can be a participant in the Parade on December 10th, visit WinterfestParade.com or call 954-767-0686.

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Say “Bye Bye Bye” to just one and plan on being more than “Satisfied” with three Florida-based  Grand Marshals for Winterfest^® 2022 – Taylor Dayne, Joey Fatone and Chris Kirkpatrick

NEWS RELEASE

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Kathy Keleher, Winterfest, Inc.
954-767-0686, kathy@winterfestparade.com
Website: winterfestparade.com
FB: winterfest.parade
Twitter/Instagram: WinterfestInc
#WinterfestFL

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Fort Lauderdale, FL (October 21, 2022) – Parade organizers announced this year’s Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest^® Boat Parade Grand Marshals during the event’s kickoff celebration. The Winterfest^® Launch Party boasted the Parade’s theme “Neon Nightlife Under the Sea” at the Fort Lauderdale Harbor Beach Marriott Hotel & Spa. Justin Wyborn, vice president and assistant general manager of Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, announced the three music icons from the 80s, 90s and 2000s who will be co-Grand Marshals; Taylor Dayne, Joey Fatone and Chris Kirkpatrick, members of the pop group *NSYNC.

Taylor Dayne:

Taylor’s career spans three decades from her groundbreaking debut single “Tell It To My Heart” to songs such as “Love Will Lead You Back” “Prove Your Love” and “I’ll Always Love You.” Taylor has sold over 75 million albums and singles worldwide, earned three Grammy nominations, an American Music Award, multiple New York Music Awards, received New York Music Hall of Fame honors and was ranked as the Number 18 Female Dance artist of all time by Rolling Stone magazine.  She is one of the very few artists in musical history to successfully crossover into almost every musical genre and chart with hit singles in Pop, Dance, R&B, Adult contemporary and Rock.

Along with her singing career, she has appeared in film, TV and stage, from Broadway favorites like Elton John’s award-winning production of “Aida,” and Mel Brooks “Archie” and “Mehitable,” to working with legendary composer Jules Styne to reprise the role of Fanny Brice on Broadway. Taylor also appeared in movies including “Love Affair” with Warren Beatty and Annette Benning and co-starred in Denis Leary’s TV drama “Rescue Me”. She also starred in the HBO film “STAG” and co-starred on Showtime’s original series “Rude Awakening” while continuing to record, write and produce her last two studio records “Naked Without You” and “Satisfied,” which gave her the Number 1 “Beautiful” and top 10 chart hit “Unstoppable.”

Taylor first book, a memoir, “Tell It To My Heart” was released in 2019 and was followed by a tour. She is currently in the development of a performance residency series called Dayne’s Den. Each show will feature Taylor alongside a special guest and live band, performing a selection of hits and sharing stories throughout the 70-90 minute event.

Taylor now calls South Florida home, and what better way to welcome her to Fort Lauderdale than have her be a co-Grand Marshal of the “Best Show On H2O.”

Joey Fatone:

Joey first rose to fame as a member of the record-shattering, multi-platinum boyband *NSYNC; but his career as a global pop icon is just the beginning. Over the past decade, he has gone on to find success as an actor, host, Broadway star, voiceover artist, dancer, and media personality with several successful television shows under his belt.

Starting at age seven, Joey starred alongside Robert DeNiro in the feature film “Once Upon a Time in America”. Growing up he was always drawn to entertainment, and at 17 he got a job at Universal Studios Orlando in the Beetlejuice Graveyard Revue. It was there that he met another theme park performer, Chris Kirkpatrick, which led to his joining *NSYNC./  Before long they were the hottest act in the U.S., Europe and beyond. They quickly became one of the most iconic pop groups in history.

Following *NSYNC’s incredible success with albums that sold over 10 million copies and countless awards, Joey became a prominent performer and personality in his own right. With projects spanning from television, film and theater, he has done it all. He hosted the popular, long-running show “My Family Recipe Rocks!” on the Live Well Network, which highlights the stories of homegrown cooks and their homemade specialties from around the country. He also hosted the cooking competition show, “Rewrapped” on the Food Network.  Expanding on his love of food, in 2016 Joey Fatone opened a food truck in Orlando called Fat One’s, serving hot dogs and Italian ice.

Joey has competed in reality TV shows from ABC’s “Dancing With The Stars” to hosting NBC’s hit series “The Singing Bee” and “Celebrity Circus.” Joey’s character cousin Angelo in My Big Fat Greek Wedding (one and two) instantly became a fan favorite.

Other ventures include: hosting the game show “Common Knowledge” and he has recently performed at Epcot with the show “Joey Fatone and Friends” that included Chris Kirkpatrick, Ryan Cabrera, Nathan Morris of BOYZ II MEN, MC Search and more, and he has been doing a music trivia show on YouTube called “What Does Joey Know?” His recent residency in Las Vegas “The Aftr Party” featuring Joey Fatone, Wanya Morris, Nick Carter and AJ McLean was completely sold out.

He is currently filming Big Fat Greek Wedding 3.

Chris Kirkpatrick:

Chris moved to Orlando, Florida in 1990 to attend college. While living in Central Florida, he started working at Universal Studios, singing and performing in their theme park doo wop group, the Hollywood Hi Tones. 

Kirkpatrick is the founding member of the multi-platinum-selling Grammy-nominated pop group, *NSYNC. In 1995, Chris brought together the members of *NSYNC, who shortly after signed a record deal with BMG Germany and toured all over Europe. Their self-titled album, released in the Spring of 1997, hit number 1 in multiple European countries.

After the success of their debut release in Europe, *NSYNC went on to dominate the Billboard charts in the United States, first releasing their self-titled album on March 24, 1998, which went on to become certified 10x platinum. They followed that up with the 2000 release of “No Strings Attached.” It debuted at #1 with 2.4 million albums sold in one week, which held the record for most album sales in the first day and week for 15 years. “No Strings Attached” was the bestselling album of 2000. The group’s final album, “Celebrity” was released in the summer of 2001. It was their second album to debut at #1 and is certified 5x Platinum. 

After their success as a group, several members of *NSYNC started to work on solo projects, Chris created a casual and athletic-wear clothing line, FuMan Skeeto. He was also the lead singer of the rock-pop group, Nigels 11. They released a five-song EP in 2010 entitled, Clandestine Operation.

Kirkpatrick has continued to work in the entertainment industry as a voice over actor in animated shows such as Fairly Odd Parents and Stripperella. In addition, he was a cast member on VH1’s Mission Man Band and the second season of CMT’s Gone Country as well as the film Dead 7.

Kirkpatrick started his own non-profit organization, The Chris Kirkpatrick Foundation. He was inspired to start his own organization to help the lives of underprivileged children in Central Florida.

In 2021, Kirkpatrick participated in ABC‘s A Very Boy Band Holiday with Joey Fatone, Wanya Morris, and other figures from prominent boy bands. During the special, which aired on December 6, 2021, he sang “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” and provided his vocals to numerous other holiday classics. In 2022, Kirkpatrick has served as the host of the popular “Pop 2k” tour, featuring performances from Ryan Cabrera, Mark McGrath of Sugar Ray, Brad Fischetti of LFO, and O-Town.  He was also a houseguest in the third season of Celebrity Big Brother, and continues to tour and make guest appearances around the US.

Fun Fact: All three Grand Marshals have been on the television show “The Masked Singer” on Fox (Taylor as Popcorn in Season 4, Joey as the Rabbit in Season 1 and Chris as the Hummingbird in Season 8). 

“Winterfest is so excited to have these three iconic entertainers perform at the Grand Marshal Reception, and on board the Fifth Third Grand Marshal showboat,” said Lisa Scott-Founds, President & CEO of Winterfest^®, Inc. “The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest^® Boat Parade will be a floating concert with performances from the start to the finale.”

Other entertainment lined up to perform within the Parade is the TikTok Country Duo TigirLily, Three-Piece Band Kerst Lehmann & Black Tie Optional, Three-Piece Band Ricky Valido & The Hialeah Hillbillies and the Santa Finale with holiday music sponsored by Amazon. The parade will be herald by fireworks sponsored by Kroger Delivery.
Taylor Dayne, Joey Fatone and Chris Kirkpatrick will be a part of a private Winterfest^® Grand Marshal Reception at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood presented by Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center on Friday, Dec. 9. The evening will include a special performance by violinist Steve Avi, celebrities such as Bravo’s Below Deck Captain Lee as well as a Child Ambassador. The trio will be performing together on stage during the reception, as well as the following night along the 12-mile Parade route as it sails along the New River, Intracoastal, the Parade Public Viewing Area presented by Baptist Health towards Pompano Beach. For more information on the Winterfest^® Celebration, how to win tickets to the exclusive Grand Marshal event with iHeart, or to purchase tickets to watch the Parade, visit WinterfestParade.com or call 954-767-0686.

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