“Bob Hope’s Christmas Special”, the first network TV special ever produced in Broward County, uses Winterfest as the backdrop for the show with an estimated 42 million TV viewers.
Author: Q Branch
Fore!
The First Golf Tournament joins the family of Winterfest Events.
Winterfest comes under the umbrella of the GFLCC
Winterfest becomes a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce (Richard G. Clark – Chamber President)
1986
Winterfest Flashback to 1986
“Magic Memories”
Parade Theme: “Magic Memories”
Winterfest and the Boat Parade of Greater Fort Lauderdale
THE PEOPLE OF WINTERFEST
Co-Grand Marshals: Willard Scott – NBC Today Show and Gary Collins (Hour Magazine)
Poster Artist: Forsyth Agency
Boat Parade Chairs: Kaye Pearson and Michael C. Weymouth
Ball Chair: Family Beach Ball – Tony Novia
President: Ina Lee
Executive Director: Diane Grow
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
In 1986, Winterfest grows to one of the top ten festivals in the nation.
Enjoyed by over one and a half million residents and visitors, the 1986 Winterfest calendar grows to more than 50 events, including two tennis tournaments, a body-building contest, a rodeo, a five-mile run and a pancake breakfast.
The first ever Winterfest jazz festival, Musical Holiday, benefits Stranahan House. Headlining the concert was Rare Silk.
The Winterfest Black Tie Ball features the entertainment of The Four Tops.
This year’s Beach Ball entertained thousands with the Grammy Award winning group, The Commodores.
For the first time, Winterfest provides 3,000 seats at Birch State Park, including bus service from parking areas.
Family Beach Ball features The Commodores
This year’s Beach Ball entertained thousands with the Grammy Award winning group, The Commodores.
First Grandstands in Birch State Park
Winterfest provides 3,000 seats at Birch State Park, including bus service from parking.
Co-Grand Marshals: Willard Scott & Gary Collins
In 1986, Grand Marshal duties were shared by stars Willard Scott (NBC Today Show) and Gary Collins (Hour Magazine).
1985
Winterfest Flashback to 1985
“Tropical Treasures”
Parade Theme: “Tropical Treasures”
THE PEOPLE OF WINTERFEST
Co-Grand Marshals: Willard Scott – NBC Today Show and Doc Severinsen – NBC Tonight Show
Boat Parade Chairman: Diane Simonsen
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Winterfest Black Tie Ball joins the roster of events. The Black Tie Ball is held at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa and hosts national entertainment and the cream of Fort Lauderdale society, including notables such as Wayne Huizenga.
The Second Annual Winterfest Beach Ball entertainment included concerts from stars James Taylor and Doc Severinsen, who was accompanied by the South Florida Symphony.
Celebrities on one of five lead boats in the parade included Grand Marshals Doc Severinsen and Willard Scott, Entertainment Tonight host Mary Hart, Miss Universe Deborah Cathy-Deu, singer Mel Torme and treasure hunter Mel Fisher.
MR. BOBB, the 60 foot Hatteras Sport fisherman owned by the Messingschlager Family, debuts. Over the decades MR. BOBB has become a tradition and has always been a “People’s Choice Award” winner.
Co-Grand Marshals: Doc Severinsen & Willard Scott
Doc Severinson, Jazz Trumpeter and Bandleader on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and Willard Scott from NBC’s Today Show.
First Float for Mr. Bobb
MR. BOBB, the 60 foot Hatteras Sport fisherman owned by the Messingschlager Family, debuts. Over the decades MR. BOBB has become a tradition and has always been a “People’s Choice Award” winner.