Media Contact: 
Durée & Company, PR Consultant 
954-723-9350 / winterfest@dureeandcompany.com

Kathy Keleher, Marketing and Parade Director, Winterfest, Inc.
954-767-0686 / kathy@winterfestparade.com

Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Boat Parade Reveals Mario Lopez as the 2021 Grand Marshal Commemorating “50 Years of Hard Rockin’ Fun”

Fort Lauderdale, FL – Nov. XX, 2021 – Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Boat Parade revealed two-time Emmy-winning television host, nationwide iHeartMedia radio host, author, and YouTube superstar, Mario Lopez, as the Grand Marshal of the 50th annual Parade taking place Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021. Lopez is one of the most iconic faces of television and best known from his early days on “Saved by the Bell” and dancing on the hit show, “Dancing with the Stars.”  

“We are excited to have Mario Lopez as the celebrity Grand Marshal to commemorate the 50^th anniversary of Winterfest and the holiday season,” said Lisa Scott-Founds, President and CEO. “Lopez has won many hearts with his mesmerizing charm and charismatic presence on TV and Broadway.” 

Lopez will appear onboard the Fifth Third Bank Grand Marshal Showboat in the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Boat Parade on Dec. 11. He will be waving and greeting the spectators along the 12-mile Parade route as it sails along the New River, Intracoastal, the Parade Public Viewing Area presented by Baptist Health towards Pompano Beach. 

Mario Lopez will also appear at the private Winterfest® Grand Marshal Reception presented by University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center on Friday, Dec. 10. The reception will honor Lopez, the Winterfest Foundation’s Jr. Captain Violet Martin from the Florida Youth Orchestra, the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center Child Ambassador Jordan Levy, and celebrity guests. The evening will include a special performance by violinist Steve Avi, celebrity appearances by founding member of NSYC Joey Fatone and Bravo’s Below Deck Captain Lee.

Lopez recently joined “Access Hollywood” and has signed a development deal with NBC/Universal. He also hosts the nationwide iHeartMedia radio shows, “On with Mario Lopez” and “iHeartRadio Countdown with Mario Lopez.” Lopez has also launched a YouTube channel called “The Lopez Family” featuring his wife Courtney, their two children and their two dogs. 

He has recently appeared on the NBC hit drama “This is Us” and the CW series “Jane the Virgin.” Lopez has also appeared on “Brooklyn 99,” “The Rookie,” and served as a recurring voice on “Elena of Avalor” with his daughter Gia. He played ‘Dr. Mike Hamoui’ on F/X network’s popular show “Nip/Tuck.” Lopez previously starred in the highest-rated program in ABC Family history, “Holiday in Handcuffs” and also starred opposite Mark Consuelos in the made- for-TV movie, “Husband for Hire.” 

Lopez has also appeared on the FOX and FOX Sports Networks on the shows The X Factor, LA Fight Club as well as EXTRA TV.

Lopez’s relentless work ethic has extended him to include his love of sports, specifically boxing, fitness and clean eating. As a best-selling author, Mario has expanded beyond autobiographies and children’s books to healthy eating guides for the entire family and fitness books. 

Parade enthusiasts are invited to show their love for the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Boat Parade by voting in USA Today 10Best Readers’ Choice for the favorite holiday parade in North America. Parade-goers are allowed to vote once a day until Dec. 6 at 12 p.m. by visiting https://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-holiday-parade-2021/. 

For more information on the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Boat Parade, how to win tickets to the exclusive Winterfest® Grand Marshal Reception or purchase tickets to watch the parade, visit WinterfestParade.com or call 954-767-0686.

Editor’s Note: To access high-resolution images, visit https://bit.ly/3wyibSw.

About Winterfest, Inc celebrating 50 years 1971-2021.

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.” On a typical year, more than one million spectators view the Parade along the 12-mile route, with millions more via television and the internet, bringing national and international recognition to South Florida. Winterfest® also hosts a variety of annual events to enhance the community’s image and provide unique, wholesome family entertainment. For more information, visit us online at winterfestparade.com, call 954-767-0686 or follow us: Facebook: winterfest.parade, Instagram: WinterfestInc. Join the conversation: #WF50 #WinterfestFL 

About Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino HollywoodSeminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood is the flagship integrated resort of Hard Rock International, owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. This 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; a 13.5-acre recreational water experience for watersports; private “Bora Bora” style cabanas; more than 15 food and beverage outlets; an expansive gaming floor with 3,000 slots, 193 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, the resort’s entertainment venue, showcases 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, Twitter: @HardRockHolly, Instagram: @HardRockHolly

Media Contact: 
Durée & Company, PR Consultant 
954-723-9350 / winterfest@dureeandcompany.com

Kathy Keleher, Marketing and Parade Director, Winterfest, Inc.
954-767-0686 / kathy@winterfestparade.com

Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade Celebrates its 50th Anniversary with an Exhilarating Line-Up of Events

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – Sept.30, 2021 – To commemorate its 50^th anniversary, Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Boat Parade will feature a spectacular lineup of events counting down to this year’s historical boat parade taking place on Dec. 11. The extensive timeline, showcasing “50 Years of Hard Rockin’ Fun,” will be featured on the Winterfest website, highlighting Flashback Fridays and other historical moments promoting the organizer’s milestones.

In 2021, Winterfest will be hosting its signature annual in-person events along with some fun holiday happenings for the entire family to enjoy. Storytime, digital messages from Santa, Christmas cookie decorating and ornament making classes, and more will be just one click away on Winterfestparade.com. Visitors will also have the opportunity to purchase an ornament or charm commemorating the 50^th anniversary. The website will include a link to the online auction which will be active to bid on starting mid-October.

“We are pleased to host many unique and interactive events, in person to bring the community together to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of Winterfest and the holiday season,” said Lisa Scott-Founds, President and CEO.

The 2021 in-person lineup includes:

Gray Robinson, P.A. Winterfest White Hot Launch Party 
Date: Oct. 23, 7-10 p.m.
Location: Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa, 3030 Holiday Dr., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Cost: An invitation is included with the purchase of a sponsorship. 

Description: The White Hot Launch Party hosted by Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa will begin with the Robinson Jewelers Golden Grand Entrance and feature delights from featured restaurant, Casa Calabria, and other top chefs’ choices from restaurants such as Anthony’s Runway 84, Carl’s Seafood, Cuba Libre, Eddie V’s, Billy’s Stone Crabs, Kasai & Koori, Mimi’s Ravioli, Piazza Italia, Sistrunk Marketplace and Tower Club. DJ Mack in the Morning – Totally 93.9 MIA will MC with Bravo’s Captain Lee from Below Deck as a special guest.

The Nifty Fifty Pep Rally 
Date: Nov. 6, 7-10 p.m. 
Location: Isle of Palms – Private Residence
Cost: Limited tickets are available. $100 per person / $150 for 2 tickets (save $50)

Description: The Nifty Fifty Pep Rally presented by Steve Savor in association with The Umbrella Group is. Time travel to the 50s with multiple bands and retro DJs thru the decades, diner fare by Fort Lauderdale Country Club. Ride share and Jeevz is encouraged. Decadent Milkshake Bar and beverage creations with Brugal Rum, Botanist, Remy Martin, Fireball Whisky and Cointreau with wines from Chloe and Cupcake. Livestream of the entertainment by AARP.

2021 Poster Debut with Artist Charles Fazzino 
Date: Nov. 18, 6 p.m.
Location: The Guitar Hotel at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, Wentworth Gallery – 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood, Fl 33314
Cost: FREE

Description: Artist Charles Fazzino will debut the 50^th Anniversary Winterfest poster. The public is invited to the unveiling and will have the opportunity to mingle with celebrities such as Miami Dolphins player Emmanuel Ogbah.

Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Winterfest® Family Fun Day 
Date: Nov. 21, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Location: Huizenga Plaza 32 E. Las Olas Boulevard Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33301
Cost: FREE 

Description: Fun for kids of all ages! Families will enjoy “The Polar Express,” face painting, food and beverage sampling, Pet Rescue Row, Stoked on Salt Conservation Village photo opportunities with Santa free giveaways, sampling by LaCroix, Fifth Third Bank Race Car, South Florida Ford, live entertainment, MC Amelia from BIG 105.9FM, story time with characters of the new holiday book “ POMP, SNOW  & CIRQUEumstance” and so much more.

Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Black Tie Ball Presented by Broward Health
Date: Dec. 4, 6 p.m. till midnight
Location: Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood, Fl 33314
Cost: Tables of 10 start at $3,000.

Description: The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino will transform into a Winter Wonderland for this black-tie ball with entertainment sponsored by DEX Imaging. Guests will enjoy special performances from the Broadway Musical, Disney’s FROZEN, and the evening will be filled with a rich array of music from the 12-piece band “Private Stock.” Republic National Distributing, Co. will bring spirits and wines such as Chloe, Imagery, Tribute and 13 Celsius. Bid on amazing items in the Fidelity Investments silent auction.

Captain’s Meeting Presented by Karma Automotive
Date: Dec. 7, 5:30-7:30 p.m.
Location: TBA
Cost: Parade participants only. 

Description: In association with Frank & Jimmie’s Prop Shop and FB Marine Group, Karma will host Parade captains for dinner following the mandatory meeting. Goodie bags will be provided to each boater.

Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Grand Marshal Reception Presented by University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center
Date: Dec. 10, 6-9 p.m. 
Location: Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood, Fl 33314
Cost: Tickets are included with the purchase of a sponsorship.

Description: The Reception will honor the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Boat Parade Grand Marshal, Jr. Captain, Child Ambassador, and celebrity guests.

50^th Anniversary Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Boat Parade
Date: Dec. 11, starting at 6:30 p.m.
Location: 12-mile route along the intracoastal waterway commencing in downtown Fort Lauderdale
Cost: FREE

Description: Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Boat Parade will celebrate its 50^th anniversary with the theme, “50 Years of Hard Rockin’ Fun.” A highly anticipated signature event of the holidays, the parade can be viewed along the 12-mile route commencing in downtown Fort Lauderdale. This year’s Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Boat Parade will sparkle with iconic rock images, music and décor in celebration of the 50^th anniversary. The dazzling event will close out the year with floating stages of entertainment, beauty queens, celebrities and starry-eyed spectators of all ages. Since its inception in 1971, Winterfest® has become a Florida tradition with national and international viewers.

Sponsor entries include South Florida Ford Fireworks, Fifth Third Bank Grand Marshal Showboat featuring the host city, the City of Fort Lauderdale, showstopper entries sponsored by WSVN-FOX, FPL, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, Republic National Distributing, Co., AARP, Live Nativity by Catholic Health Services, Floating Concert Entry with Southern Blood, and more. Parade viewers will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite entry on the Winterfest App to win Spirit Airlines tickets.

VIP Viewing Area Presented by Holy Cross Health, Nova Southeastern University and Hotwire Communications 
Date: Dec. 11, 5:30-8:30 p.m.
Location: Laura Ward Park 
Cost: Tickets are included with the purchase of a sponsorship.

Description: Guests will experience an intimate view of the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Boat Parade. The most prestigious location to watch the Parade! Close to 500 community leaders, dignitaries and Winterfest Sponsors will enjoy the ambiance of a private function between the Riverside Hotel and Stranahan House located where the Parade starts on the New River. This event includes great food from the Riverside Hotel, Tower Club and area restaurants, along with cocktail creations with Republic National Distributing, Co. products such as Fireball Whisky, Chloe and Tribute wines and sampling by LaCroix. The area is also host to the filming of the WSVN television show, livestreaming with EyeOnSouthFlorida and parade judges.

Parade Viewing Area presented by Baptist Health
Date: Dec. 11, Gates open at 4 p.m., Parade arrives at 7 pm followed by a concert till 10:30 PM
Location: Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park — 80 Las Olas Cir., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316
Cost: $25 adults/$15 children 

Description: In association with the Beach Business Improvement District, and the Florida Panthers, spectators will experience “Party in the Park” festival atmostphere at Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park. Visitors will enjoy the Stella Artois Culinary Courtyard featuring Coca-Cola, LaCroix, Stella Artois and food vendors. The area will host a variety of activities, South Florida Ford, photos with Santa, and live entertainment on the City of Fort Lauderdale stage with Y100’s Frankie P, Big City Dogs, and the Shane Duncan Band. Parade commentary from iHeartMedia talent Drew from Y100 will be heard throughout the area. Make it a Winterfest® weekend with discounted hotel packages at winterfestparade.com.

About Winterfest, Inc celebrating 50 years 1971-2021.
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 Winterfest Boat Parade – “The World’s Most Watched Boat Parade.” On a typical year, spectators view the parade along the 12-mile route 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 visit us online at winterfestparade.com, 954-767-0686 or follow us: Facebook: winterfest.parade, Instagram: WinterfestInc. Join the conversation: #WF50 #WinterfestFL 

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. This 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; a 13.5-acre recreational water experience for watersports; private “Bora Bora” style cabanas; more than 15 food and beverage outlets; an expansive gaming floor with 3,000 slots, 193 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, the resort’s entertainment venue, showcases 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, Twitter: @HardRockHolly, Instagram: @HardRockHolly.

FLORIDA FESTIVALS & EVENTS ASSOCIATION RECOGNIZES STATE’S BEST EVENTS WITH 2021 SUNSATIONAL AWARDS

ORLANDO, Fla. (August 25, 2021) – The Florida Festivals & Events Association (FFEA) recently
announced the winners of its annual SUNsational Awards during their 27th annual convention and
tradeshow. The Program recognizes members’ innovation, individuality and creative collaboration.

Nominations were accepted in ten categories, including Printed Materials; Outdoor Advertisement; PR / Media Campaign; Photo; Promotional Item; T-shirt; Broadcast Media; Multimedia Marketing; Adapted and Virtual Events and Programming. Each category included three budget levels. A total of 170 events submitted their materials for consideration. 

Winterfest, Inc. was recognized for their promotions and campaigns during 2020 for the following:

First Place: 
Virtual Vacation with Santa – Social Media Ad Campaign with Visit Lauderdale
Home for the Holidays Promotional Item (ornament created by Pat Anderson)

Second Place:
Brochure (designed by S.Mark Graphics)
Twitter Campaign
2020 Annual Report

Third Place:
Radio PSA for their contests (with EyeOnSouthFlorida)

For a complete list of winners, visit www.ffea.com/sunsational-awards.

Nominations were judged by a blue ribbon panel representing media outlets, printing companies, website designers, photographers, promotional marketing professionals and social media experts.

“The SUNsational Awards have recognized and celebrated the talents of our members for more than two decades,” said Suzanne Neve, CEO of the FFEA.  “We’re proud of our members and their events – and excited to recognize them in this way each year. This year in particular was incredibly rewarding as we showcased the innovation and resilience of festival and event organizers throughout the state during this unprecedented time.”

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About the Florida Festivals & Events Association (FFEA)Celebrating 27 years, FFEA is a not-for-profit association dedicated to supporting and promoting more than 5,500 festivals, events, and fairs in the state of Florida through education, networking and dissemination of information and the cultivation of high standards. For more information about FFEA, visit www.ffea.com.