Known for his graffiti-like paintings and murals that add character to various locales in South Florida, internationally recognized and locally renowned artist Carlos Solano is the official poster artist of the 2024 Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Boat Parade.
Author: Q Branch
Co-Grand Marshal: Jack Wagner
Jack Wagner, the well-loved Hallmark celebrity, actor and musician is spreading the holiday joy in South Florida.
Co-Grand Marshals Stanley C. Panther and Viktor E. Rat
Stanley C. Panther and Viktor E. Rat, mascots of the Florida Panthers known for their community spirit and infectious energy, bring joy to fans of all ages.
June Happy Hour
IL LUGANO
Residence Inn Fort Lauderdale Intracoastal / Il Lugano
June 18
5:30 PM – 7:30 PM
3333 NE 32nd Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, USA, 33308
May Happy Hour
YOT Bar & Kitchen
May 21st
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
2015 SW 20th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315
April Happy Hour
Carlos & Pepe’s
April 24
5:00 – 7:00 PM
1302 SE 17th St, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
March Happy Hour
Join your Winterfest Family at YOT
March 20, 2024 @ 5-7 PM
$10-$14 appetizers
$7 select spirits and wine
$6 domestic bottle beer
Great Conversation, Camaraderie, and More.
Boaters who have registered to enter in the 2024 Parade or be a control boater will receive a complimentary Happy Hour Cocktail.
2024
Winterfest 2024
“From Sawgrass to Seagrass: Waves of Holiday Cheer”
THE PEOPLE OF WINTERFEST
CO-GRAND MARSHALS
2024 Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade Co-Grand Marshals Jack Wagner, Stanley C. Panther and Viktor E. Rat
We are thrilled to announce the three exceptional Grand Marshals leading this year’s Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Boat Parade. Winterfest® proudly presents Hallmark celebrity Jack Wagner alongside the dynamic mascots of the Stanley Cup Champions – the Florida Panthers, Stanley C. Panther and Viktor E. Rat.
Jack Wagner, a well-loved Hallmark actor and musician, has charmed audiences for years with his roles on-screen. O ff-screen, Jack is an avid philanthropist, lending his voice to charitable causes across the nation. His participation in this year’s Winterfest Parade underscores his commitment to spreading holiday joy in South Florida.
Accompanying Jack are two of Florida’s favorite sports figures—Stanley C. Panther and Viktor E. Rat, mascots of the Florida Panthers. Known for their community spirit and infectious energy, these beloved mascots bring joy to fans of all ages, embodying the teamwork and excitement that Florida Panthers hockey is known for.
BELLE OF THE BALL AND COMMODORE
This magical evening, The Winterfest Black Tie Ball, produced by the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino will honor two of this area’s community leaders: 2024 Belle of the Ball – Stacy Ritter, CEO and President of Visit Lauderdale and Mike Weymouth, President of the Las Olas Company, will be recognized as this year’s Commodore.
POSTER ARTIST
Internationally recognized and locally renowned artist, Carlos Solano, is the official poster artist of the 2024 Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Boat Parade. Solano’s vibrant artwork, embodying this year’s theme “From Sawgrass to Seagrass: Waves of Holiday Cheer,” was unveiled at the “Winterfest® Launch Party” on Friday, Oct. 19, 2024.
Known for his graffiti-like paintings and murals that add character to various locales in South Florida, Carlos Solano’s work employs a rich palette and a variety of styles, making him a beloved figure in the local community and a favorite with organizations such as the Florida Panthers.
THE BOATS OF WINTERFEST
The 2024 Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade Participants
Actual photos of this year’s entries will be uploaded when available after the parade
| Pre-Show | ||
| A |  | Aqua Flight Yacht Toys |
| C | | Florida Paddling Trails Association |
| D | | Florida Paddling Trails Association |
| BSO | |
| E | | USCG Helicopter |
| Parade | ||
| 1 | | United States Coast Guard aboard Hudson |
| 2 | | United States Coast Guard 45 |
| 3 | | Winterfest Fireworks Barge |
| 4 | | Fort Lauderdale Fire Boat 49 |
| 5 | | Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Grand Marshal Fifth Third Bank Showboat onboard South Beach Lady |
| 6 | | Republic National Distributing Company onboard Caprice |
| 7 | | Jr. Captain Powered By FPL Moved By Two Men and a Truck onboard Carrie B |
| 8 | | Dare to Dream |
| 9 | | Windborne |
| 10 | | Art of the Sea onboard Party on Boat Charters |
| 11 | | 26′ Sailfish |
| 12 | | The Rock |
| 13 | | Dunn Deal |
| 14 | | Riverwalk |
| 15 |  | Florida Atlantic University onboard R/V Ray McAllister |
| 16 | | ISI Security |
| 17 | | Party Girl |
| 18 | | Musette |
| 19 | | Celebration |
| 20 | | FishAngler |
| 21 | | Mr. Bobb |
| 22 | | Kat-A-Tude |
| 23 | | Show Me The Mahi |
| 24 | | Mobile Mike |
| 25 | | Biscayne Bay Foundation |
| 26 | | My Wow |
| 27 | | Future Tech / LG with Freedom Waters Foundation onboard Island Discovery Water Taxi |
| 28 | | Last Chance Rescue onboard Exceed |
| 29 | | Cruisin Tikis Fort Lauderdale |
| 30 | | Cruisin Tikis Fort Lauderdale |
| 31 | | Aireze |
| 33 | | Island Girl |
| 34 | | Fort Lauderdale Kiwanis Club onboard Instigator |
| 35 | | Savoir Faire |
| 36 | | Rock O |
| 37 | | Turnaround |
| 38 | | Sea Cadets onboard Archer |
| 39 | | Miss Nicole |
| 40 | | Sweet Summertime |
| 41 | | International Swimming Hall of Fame onboard Lauderdale |
| 42 | | Island Gal |
| 43 | | T/T Sea Clef |
| 44 | | Octopus Winterfest onboard Aquaview |
| 45 | | Fire Sale |
| 47 | | South Florida Symphony Orchestra onboard Mystic Star |
| 48 | | Toys for Tots onboard Ginger |
| 49 | | Sea Tow with 12 Dinghies of Christmas |
| 50 | | Twin Peaks onboard Sun Dream |
| 51 | | Black Pearl |
| 52 | | Visit Lauderdale onboard Fiesta Water Taxi |
| 53 | | Celsius onboard Catalina |
| 54 | | Sunday Gravy Too |
| 55 | | Merry-Oke onboard Ballyhoo Media 3 |
| 56 | | Nauti Gal |
| 57 | | Piper High School onboard Island Expedition Water Taxi |
| 58 | | Shake a Leg Miami onboard Yamas |
| 59 | | Sea Charm 1 |
| 60 | | Triple Care, Inc. onboard Catch My Drift |
| 61 | | Luxury |
| 62 | | Boozy |
| 63 | | Perfect Life |
| 64 | | Florida Children’s Theater onboard Blue Foot Pirate Adventures |
| 65 | | MeilaniKai |
| 66 | | The Good Life |
| 67 | | The Tiki Cat |
| 68 | | Romantic Venice |
| 70 | | Hero |
| 71 | | Beacon |
| 72 | | Zanimac |
| 74 | | Sea Dragon onboard Anticipation |
| 75 | | Aces Charter Cheerleaders onboard Bella Ciao |
| 76 | | Nauti Buoy II |
| 77 | | Dusk |
| 79 | | Sail Last.org |
| 80 | | The Nick |
| 81 | | Universal Tenders |
| 82 | | Universal Tenders |
| 83 | | Universal Tenders |
| 84 | | KW239FS |
| 86 | | 3PW |
| 87 | | Keg Life |
| 88 | | Paddle Pub – Party Boats Afloat |
| 89 | | Hatch Magic |
| 90 | | Morse Twin Vee |
| 91 | | The Pelican I |
| 92 | | Whiskey Business |
| 96 | | Rudolph onboard Miss Pontoon |
| 97 | | Mick and Di |
| 98 | | Chabad Lubivitch aboard Lois Ann |
| 99 | | Island Adventure- Water Taxi |
| 100 | | Santa Showboat – Amazon Delivers Santa onboard the Jungle Queen IV |
2024 Boat Parade Award Winners
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.
People’s Choice Award
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD
#15 – FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY ONBOARD R/V RAY MCALLISTER
PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD – On the Winterfest App and Social Media
#21 – MR BOBB
Congratulations
Rita Messingschlager
Our People’s Choice Sweepstakes Random Voter Grand Prize Winner for 2024
Category: PRESHOW / UNDER 20′
BEST OVERALL
A – AQUA FLIGHT
BEST THEME
#49 – SEA TOW with 12 DINGHIES OF CHRISTMAS
BEST IN LIGHTS
BEST IN ENTERTAINMENT
C & D – FLORIDA PADDLE TRAIN ASSOCIATION
Category: BARGE / TUG
BEST OVERALL
#3 – BERGERON EVERGLADES FOUNDATION FIREWORKS BARGE
BEST THEME
#55 – MERRY-OKE ONBOARD BALLYHOO
BEST SOUND
BEST LIGHTS
#70 – HERO
Category: GOVERNMENT
BEST OVERALL
#1 – UNITED STATES COAST GUARD HUDSON
BEST THEME
#4 – FORT LAUDERDALE FIREBOAT 49
BEST LIGHTS
#91 – BROWARD COUNTY TRANSIT – THE PELICAN
BEST ENTERTAINMENT
#2 – UNITED STATES COAST GUARD 45
BEST IN SOUND
Category: CHARTER 20′-39′
BEST OVERALL
#68 – ROMANTIC VENICE
BEST THEME
#67 – THE TIKI CAT
BEST LIGHTS
#29 – CRUISIN TIKIS FORT LAUDERDALE
BEST ENTERTAINMENT
#96 – RUDOLPH ONBOARD MISS PONTOON
Category: CHARTER 40′-59′
BEST OVERALL
#15 – FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY ONBOARD R/V RAY MCALLISTER
BEST THEME
#44 – OCTOPUS WINTERFEST ONBOARD AQUAVIEW
BEST SOUND
#59 – SEA CHARM
BEST LIGHTS
#17 – PARTY GIRL
BEST ENTERTAINMENT
#64 – BLUE FOOT PIRATE ADVENTURES WITH FLORIDA CHILDREN’S THEATER
Category: CHARTER 60′-79′
BEST OVERALL
#52 – VISIT LAUDERDALE ONBOARD FIESTA WATER TAXI
BEST THEME
#74 – SEA DRAGON ONBOARD ANTICIPATION
BEST IN SOUND
#57 – PIPER HIGH SCHOOL ONBOARD ISLAND EXPEDITION WATER TAXI
BEST IN LIGHTS
BEST IN ENTERTAINMENT
Category: CHARTER 80’+
BEST OVERALL
#53 – CELSIUS ONBOARD CATALINA
BEST IN LIGHTS
BEST IN SOUND
BEST IN ENTERTAINMENT
BEST IN THEME
Category: PRIVATE 20′-39′
BEST OVERALL
#39 – MISS NICOLE
BEST THEME
#84 – KW 239 FS
BEST SOUND
BEST LIGHTS
#39 – MISS NICOLE
BEST ENTERTAINMENT
Category: PRIVATE 40′-59′
BEST OVERALL
#72 – ZANIMAC
BEST IN LIGHTS
BEST IN ENTERTAINMENT
Category: PRIVATE 60’+
BEST OVERALL
#21 – MR BOBB
BEST THEME
#35 – SAVOIR FAIRE
BEST LIGHTS
#8 – DARE TO DREAM
BEST IN ENTERTAINMENT
Category: COMMERCIAL 20′-39′
BEST OVERALL
#62 – BOOZY
BEST LIGHTS
#87 – KEG LIFE
BEST ENTERTAINMENT
#23 – SHOW ME THE MAHI
Category: COMMERCIAL 40′-59′
BEST OVERALL
#41 – INTERNATIONAL SWIMMING HALL OF FAME ONBOARD LAUDERDALE
BEST LIGHTS
#56 – NAUTI GAL
BEST ENTERTAINMENT
BEST SOUND
Category: COMMERCIAL 60+
BEST OVERALL
BEST THEME
#100 – AMAZON DELIVERS SANTA ONBOARD THE JUNGLE QUEEN IV
BEST SOUND
#24 – USS MOBILE MIKE
BEST LIGHTS
#40 – SWEET SUMMERTIME
Category: NON-PROFIT 20′-39′
BEST OVERALL
#10 – ART OF THE SEA ONBOARD PARTY ON BOAT CHARTERS
BEST THEME
#79 – SAIL LAST.org
BEST SOUND
#75 – ACES CHARTER CHEERLEADERS ONBOARD BELLA CIAO
BEST LIGHTS
#48 – TOYS FOR TOTS ONBOARD GINGER
BEST ENTERTAINMENT
#38 – SEA CADETS ONBOARD ARCHER
Category: NON-PROFIT 40′-59′
BEST OVERALL
#20 – NOVA SOUTHEASTERN UNIVERSITY / GUY HARVEY FOUNDATION ABOARD FISH ANGLER
BEST THEME
#34 – FORT LAUDERDALE KIWANIS CLUB ONBOARD INSTIGATOR
BEST SOUND
#28 – LAST CHANCE RESCUE ONBOARD EXCEED
BEST LIGHTS
#98 – CHABAD LUBIVICH ONBOARD LOIS ANN
Category: NON-PROFIT 60+
BEST OVERALL
#60 – TRIPLE CARE, INC. ONBOARD CATCH MY DRIFT
BEST THEME
#58 – SHAKE A LEG MIAMI ONBOARD YAMAS
BEST LIGHTS
#47 – SOUTH FLORIDA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA ABOARD MYSTIC STAR
BEST ENTERTAINMENT
Category: SAILBOAT
BEST OVERALL
#31 – AIREZE
BEST ENTERTAINMENT
BEST LIGHTS
#33 – ISLAND GIRL
Category: SHOWBOAT 80’+
BEST OVERALL
#7 – JR. CAPTAIN POWERED BY FPL MOVED BY TWO MEN AND A TRUCK ONBOARD CARRIE B
BEST THEME
#5 – SEMINOLE HARD ROCK WINTERFEST GRAND MARSHAL FIFTH THIRD BANK SHOWBOAT ONBOARD SOUTH BEACH LADY
BEST SOUND
#6 – REPUBLIC NATIONAL DISTRIBUTING COMPANY ONBOARD CAPRICE
BEST LIGHTS
#50 – TWIN PEAKS ONBOARD SUNDREAM
Category: SPECIALTY AWARDS
ADMIRAL AWARD
Spirit and Enthusiasm
JOE MILLSAPS AWARD
Military Spirit Award
#27 – FUTURE TECH / LG WITH FREEDOM WATERS FOUNDATION ONBOARD ISLAND DISCOVERY WATER TAXI
BEACON LIGHTS AWARDS
Use of Moving Lights
#43 – T/T Sea Clef
KAYE PEARSON AWARD
Spirit of Innovation
#11 – 26′ SAILFISH
BOB LEIDER AWARD
Best In Television
#63 – PERFECT LIFE
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
#77 – DUSK
SAVE THE DAY
ISI SECURITY
SAVE THE DAY
STEEL TOWING
Category: PASSIONATE FOR PARADES
Winterfest, Pompano and Boca
#11 – 26′ SAILFISH
Winterfest and Pompano
#31 – AIREZE
Winterfest and Pompano
#44 – AQUAVIEW
Winterfest and Pompano
#28 – EXCEED
Winterfest and Pompano
#34 – INSTIGATOR
Winterfest and Pompano
#33 – ISLAND GIRL
Winterfest and Pompano
#87 – KEG LIFE
Winterfest and Pompano
#14 – RIVERWALK
Winterfest and Pompano
#49 – SEA TOW
THE CELEBRATIONS OF WINTERFEST
The Winterfest Black Tie Ball
Presented by Broward Health in Association with Republic National Distributing Company
The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Black Tie Ball, presented by Broward Health in Association with Republic National Distributing Co., transformed into the Savanna to reflect the colorful world of Disney’s The Lion King. The event featured performances direct from Broadway, from the North American tour (Thank you, Broadway Across America), and the 14-piece Private Stock band performed throughout the night, sponsored by DEX Imaging.
Winterfest Happy Hours
Winterfest Celebrations
NEW & NOTABLE
2024 Postal Mark
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Belles of the Ball Luncheon – October 13th, 2024
The Winterfest Black Tie Ball Invitation
2024 Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade Carlos Solano Poster, Dates to Remember, Sponsors
Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade Cancelled for December 16, 2023
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
Fort Lauderdale, Florida l Friday, December 15, 2023 – The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest
Boat Parade, scheduled for Saturday, December 16, 2023, has regretfully been canceled due to unprecedented weather conditions that includes heavy winds and unsafe boating conditions. The
decision to cancel the event was made under the guidance and advisement of the United States
Coast Guard, Fort Lauderdale Marine Patrol, Fort Lauderdale Fire Department, and other
relevant agencies.
The safety and well-being of our participants, and spectators are of utmost importance to us. The
inclement weather conditions, which are beyond our control, make it impossible to ensure a safe
and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.
We understand the disappointment this may cause and apologize for any inconvenience. We
appreciate the support and understanding of all those who were looking forward to the Seminole
Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade.
While this year’s parade had promising plans and breathtaking decorations from the boaters, our
focus is already on next year’s event, aiming to surpass expectations. Drawing attendees from
across the globe, The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade stands as a beloved highlight
and cherished gem of South Florida, and our commitment remains steadfast in offering a year-
round calendar of events and entertainment that captivates audiences worldwide. In fact, the Grand Marshal Reception featuring Boyz II Men is scheduled for 7:00 PM tonight and will feature the anthem for Broward County which was scheduled to be performed on the Visit Lauderdale showboat.
WSVN will produce and air a television special featuring all our 2023 events which includes
boats that have already decorated for this year and previous parades on Friday, December 22,
2023, at 7:00 PM. The show will also air on WSVN Channel 7 on December 25, 2023, and
January 1, 2024, with additional dates scheduled on Bally Sports Sun. Their sister station will
air in Boston on December 25 on WHDH (7 News) and December 31 on WLVI (CW56). We
also proudly drive engaging initiatives like our student art contest. We remain committed to
providing a memorable and enjoyable experience for our community and will continue our
unwavering dedication to marine safety and projects that support our veterans.
The scope of the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade has many moving parts hence the
difficulty to reschedule. The magnitude of planning is immense, including permitting, and
coordination with multiple agencies to manage bridges being locked up, docks vacated for
staging and other logistics for overall safety. It took us months to orchestrate this event and all its
moving pieces. This event is not a simple one to pivot and effectively plan safely within a few
days.
For further information and updates, please visit our website Winterfestparade.com or contact
954.767.0686.
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