Dave Thomas, the founder and CEO of Wendy’s restaurants, and Brandi Sherwood, Miss USA 1997.
Author: Q Branch
First Belle of the Ball
The first ever “Belle of the Ball,” an annual award presented at the Black Tie Ball to a member of the business community known for their commitment to volunteerism and public service, goes to Chair Emeritus Ina Lee.
New Title Sponsor
With a new title sponsor, Bell South, the parade is officially called “The BellSouth Winterfest Boat Parade Presented by Nokia.”
1996
Winterfest Flashback to 1996
“By the Lights of the Silvery Moon”
Parade Theme: “By the Lights of the Silvery Moon” – 25th Anniversary
THE PEOPLE OF WINTERFEST
Grand Marshals: Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse
Poster Artist: Forsyth Agency
Boat Parade Chairman: Stacey Hallberg
Ball Chair: Martha Forsyth
President/Chairman of the Board: David K. Blattner
Executive Director: Lisa Scott
Marketing Director: Stephen Heard
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
The Parade officially become known as the Continental Airlines Boat Parade.
WSVN Channel 7 and Comcast Communications collaborate to provide WINTERFEST with an extravagant television program that is syndicated all over the world with an audience of 40 million viewers.
The Boat Parade showcases Fort Lauderdale’s own Olympic divers, Mary Ellen Clark and Jenny Keim.
Winterfest’s 25th Anniversary
Our Silver Anniversary marks 25 years of helping Fort Lauderdale celebrate the holidays.
Co-Grand Marshals: Mickey and Minnie
Mickey and Minnie Mouse, celebrating the 25th year of Walt Disney World in Orlando, are Co-Grand Marshals for Winterfest’s 25th anniversary.
The Parade Adopts a New Name
Officialy becoming known as the “Continental Airlines Boat Parade.”
1995
Winterfest Flashback to 1995
“Winter Wonderland“
Parade Theme: “Winter Wonderland“
THE PEOPLE OF WINTERFEST
Grand Marshal: George Hamilton
Boat Parade Chairman: Stacey Hallberg
Ball Chairs: Micki Lindemann and Cindy Rodriguez
Shoreline Chairman: Steve Casper
President/Chairman of the Board: David K. Blattner
Executive Director: Michael L. McMurry
Corporate and Community Relations Manager: Lisa B. Scott
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Gavin MacLeod (Love Boat) is in the parade
“America’s Most Watched Boat Parade” – 750,000 parade-goers
Black Tie Ball hosted on Princess Cruise Ship- Sun Princess. Over 800 people attend.
Charities: Sun-Sentinel Santa Fund and the Adam Walsh Children’s Fund
Creation of the Don Moore Award (designer of parade entries: 1985 to 1994)
Television Special Commentator – Willard Scott (Today Show)
America’s Most Watched Boat Parade
750,000 parade-goers make the Winterfest Boat Parade “America’s Most Watched Boat Parade”
Grand Marshal: George Hamilton
Stage, Screen and TV Star George Hamilton is the Grand Marshal for 1995.