Author: Q Branch
Belle of the Ball: Karla Nelson-Thatcher
2019 Press Releases
2019 Newsletter – Click the link to view our PDF file or the flipbook newsletter noted below:
2019 Brochure
Winterfest® Launch Party: A Spectacular Glimpse of What to Expect for this Year’s Celebration with Live Entertainment and Virtual Experiences
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
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
Grand Marshals: Boyz II Men
The Best Selling R&B Group of All Time, Boyz II Men, joins the Best Show on H2O as our 2023 Grand Marshals.
Poster Artist: Laura Brill Elmore
September Happy Hour
Galuppi’s
September 17th
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM
1103 N Federal Hwy, Pompano Beach FL 33062
WE LOVE OUR WINTERFEST and BOATING COMMUNITY
Registered boaters will receive two complementary drink tickets and be entered into a raffle.
The 2024 September Happy Hour has entered the history books!
Coming in 2025, this page will be updated with all the exciting details of our next September Happy Hour.
We’ll see you then!
Another Multi-Award Winning Year for Winterfest
Winterfest Inc., producers of the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade, was the big winner of Six Florida Festivals & Events SUNsational Awards in 2023
2023
Winterfest 2023
“Reflections Afloat”
For the first time in history, The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade, scheduled for Saturday, December 16, 2023, was canceled due to unprecedented weather conditions, including heavy winds and unsafe boating conditions. All other highly anticipated Winterfest events and activities took place as planned.
Read the Statement
The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade, scheduled for Saturday, December 16, 2023, has been canceled due to unprecedented weather conditions, including 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, 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 those 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.
WSVN will produce and air a television special featuring all our 2023 events, which includes boats from previous parades, on Friday, December 22, 2023, at 7:00 PM. The show will 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 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 more complex to pivot and effectively plan safely within a few days.
For further information and updates, please visit our Winterfestparade.com website or contact 954.767.0686
THE PEOPLE OF WINTERFEST
GRAND MARSHALS
The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade is proud to host the Best Selling R&B Group of All Time, quadruple Grammy Winning Boyz II Men as our Grand Marshals for 2023.
COMMODORE
David Boothe
BELLE OF THE BALL
Karla Nelson-Thatcher
JR. CAPTAIN of the PARADE
Ben Ayalon
POSTER ARTIST
Laura Elmore – 954Design
MERCHANDISE ARTIST
Dennis Friel – Connected by Water
ORNAMENT DESIGNER
Pat Anderson
Boat Parade Chairman: Britt Lanier
Parade Enhancement: Jimmie Harrison
Ball Chairs: Susan Renneisen and Kathryn Salerno
Parade Viewing Area Chairman: David Greenberger
Parade Viewing Area Volunteer Coordinator: Austen Read
Control Boat Chair: Dave Plotnik
Ham Operator Co-Chairs: Carol Sjursen and Jeff Stahl
Dock Walker Chair: Michael Keleher
VIP Area: Lisa Duke
Carolyn McLaughlin Volunteer Spirits Award Winner: To Be Announced
Launch Party Chair: Alyssa Lovitt
Chairman of the Board: Bill Walker
President/CEO: Lisa Scott-Founds
BOARD/ADVISORY COMMITTEE CHAIRS
- Governance: Robyn Vines / Johnny Williams
- Community Outreach: Alice Harry
- Future Vision: Ben Wesley
- Winterfest Foundation: Gerry Angeli (winterfestfoundation.org)
THE 2023 BOAT PARADE JUDGES
2023 Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade Judges – To Be Announced – Broward, Palm Beaches & St. Lucie REALTOR®, Dean Trantalis – Mayor, City of Fort Lauderdale, Rear Admiral Douglas M. Schofield – United States Coast Guard – Sector 7, Stacy Ritter – President & CEO, Visit Lauderdale, To Be Announced – Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, To Be Announced – iHeart Media
NEW & NOTABLE
Winterfest Inc., producers of the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade, winner of
Six Florida Festivals & Events SUNsational Awards
Winterfest® Launch Party Hosted a Star-Studded Event with Parade Highlights and Poster Unveiling
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 10th:
- 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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