The WINTERFEST Black Tie Ball joins the roster of events.
Author: Q Branch
1984
Winterfest Flashback to 1984
THE PEOPLE OF WINTERFEST
WINTERFEST goes national with Boat Parade Grand Marshal Willard Scott, famed meteorologist of NBC’s Today Show.
Poster Artist: Don Eighnie
Boat Parade Chairman: Dick Burkle
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
“Winterfest Beach Ball” is added as an event and, with musical guests Spyro Gyra, draws a crowd of 100,000.
The Winterfest Beach Ball, a free event which takes place the day after the Boat Parade, closes down A1A from Las Olas to Sunrise with a stage featuring national entertainment each year such as Roberta Flack, James Taylor, etc. It was an all day event, including arts & crafts, restaurants, and music on 3 different stages.
Our First National Grand Marshal
WINTERFEST goes national with our first “Official” Boat Parade Grand Marshal Willard Scott, famed meteorologist of NBC’s Today Show.
First Beach Ball
The Inaugural Beach Ball, with musical guests Spyro Gyra, draws a crowd of 100,000.
1983
Winterfest Flashback to 1983
“A Tropical Fantasy”
“A Tropical Fantasy” is chosen as the first WINTERFEST theme. Participating boats add animation and props to interpret the theme.
The First Parade Theme
“A Tropical Fantasy” is chosen as the first WINTERFEST theme. Participating boats add animation and props to interpret the theme.
1982
Winterfest Flashback to 1982
THE PEOPLE OF WINTERFEST
Winterfest has its first President/CEO/Chairman, Ina Lee of TravelHost Magazine. Ina would helm the nascent Winterfest organization for the next six years, overseeing the creation of the Winterfest Black Tie Ball and the Winterfest Beach Ball.
Winterfest was created as an umbrella for over 100 major events happening in Broward County during the holiday season, including the Pompano Beach Boat Parade.
Executive Director: Diane Grow
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Broward’s Tourist Development Council, June Switken, director, first funds Winterfest in 1982 with $8,000.
Winterfest Has a President
Winterfest’s first President/CEO/Chair is TravelHost Magazine’s Ina Lee. Ina will fill the role for the next six years.
First Tourist Council Funding
Broward’s Tourist Development Council, June Switken, director, first funds Winterfest in 1982.
1971 and Before…
Ina Lee, Winterfest Boat Parade Chair for the first six years: “The Boat Parade was started back in the 70s by Kaye Pearson, who also was the man behind the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show.”