Author: Winterfest

The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade

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The 53rd Annual Holiday Parade takes place DECEMBER 14, 2024 starting in the Downtown Area at 6:30 PM with a pre-show of non-motorized vessels at 6:00 p.m. The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade will stage on the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale, along the docks west of Stranahan House to the Broward Center for the Performing Arts.

The Parade starts at Stranahan House, traveling East along the New River in Fort Lauderdale to the Intracoastal Waterway and continues North to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach. It’s 12 Miles of the “Best Show on H20.” The Parade takes approximately 2 and 1/2 hours to view from one location (starting locations stagger as you travel north).

Private boats, giant showboats and corporate megayachts will be adorned with hundreds of thousands of lights, music, entertainment, decorations, celebrities, musical groups, beauty queens, and many other exciting entries expected to be viewed by over one million spectators.

Boat entry fees start at ONLY $35.

SAVE THE DATE FOR THE PARADE

  • DECEMBER 14, 2024
  • DECEMBER 13, 2025
  • DECEMBER 12, 2026
  • DECEMBER 11, 2027
  • DECEMBER 9, 2028

Parade dates may change without notice – please check this page

Control Boat Meeting

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2025 CONTROL BOATERS, PARADE SPOTTERS, and HAM OPERATORS ONLY at the Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce. Contact Winterfest on how to get involved and click here to download a .pdf of the Control Boat Application.

CONTROL BOATERS: Get a FRONT ROW seat to the 2025 parade while being the eyes and ears for the “Best Show on H2O!”. All control boaters receive a goodie bag at the Control Boat Meeting with light and signs. AFTER THE PARADE, volunteers are invited to the Winterfest Volunteer Party! Join Today!

Storytime with Santa

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Storytime with Santa and HOLIDAYS ALL YEAR with POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance 2024

SANTA will read “Twas the Night Before Christmas” while on vacation in the Broward County Area in Florida on December 19, 2024 at 7 pm. He spent a few days in Fort Lauderdale after starring in the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade and before the big night. The reading will be available until December 24, 2024.

EyeOnSouthFlorida will capture all the magic and Winterfest will ask Santa a few questions after the reading.

Santa Reading Twas the Night Before Christmas at Stranahan House

The reading will be active during the holiday season by EyeOnSouthFlorida

REGISTER NOW TO RECEIVE THIS FESTIVAL HOLIDAY BOOK

This book will be mailed to the FIRST 100 registered:

HOLIDAYS ALL YEAR with POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance

POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance wrap up Christmas and prepare for more holidays around the world: Lunar New Year, Ramadan, Diwali, Passover, Easter, St. Pat’s, Mardi Gras, Halloween and more. New sprite FESTINA shares wisdom, knowledge, and powers, as they set out to brighten holidays all year celebrating time-honored traditions and culturally diverse adventures.

The perfect young reader, family, and coffee table book

Delivery of this book is NOT guaranteed to arrive prior to 12.25.24

HOLIDAYS ALL YEAR with POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance wrap up Christmas and prepare for more holidays around the world: Lunar New Year, Ramadan, Diwali, Passover, Easter, St. Pat’s, Mardi Gras, Halloween and more. New sprite FESTINA shares wisdom, knowledge, and powers, as they set out to brighten holidays all year celebrating time-honored traditions and culturally diverse adventures. The perfect young reader, family, and coffee table book
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Grand Marshal Reception

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2024 GM Top Banner

The 2024 Grand Marshal Reception has entered the history books!

Coming in 2025, this page will be updated with all the exciting details of the next Winterfest Grand Marshal Reception.
We’ll see you then!

Until then, enjoy a look back at the 2024 Grand Marshal Reception

The 2024 Grand Marshal Experience will be hosted at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. This Winterfest Celebration welcoming our Grand Marshals includes dignitaries and celebrities who join us at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino to celebrate, Winterfest style.

RECEPTION BY INVITATION ONLY.

CO-GRAND MARSHALS

2024 Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade Co-Grand Marshals
Jack Wagner, Stanley C. Panther and Viktor E. Rat

2024 Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade Co-Grand Marshal Jack Wagner
Co-Grand Marshal Jack Wagner
2024 Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade Co-Grand Marshals Stanley C. Panther and Viktor E. Rat
Co-Grand Marshals Stanley C. Panther and Viktor E. Rat

We are thrilled to announce the three exceptional Grand Marshals leading this year’s Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Boat Parade. Winterfest® proudly presents Hallmark celebrity Jack Wagner alongside the dynamic mascots of the Stanley Cup Champions – the Florida Panthers, Stanley C. Panther and Viktor E. Rat.

Jack Wagner, a well-loved Hallmark actor and musician, has charmed audiences for years with his roles on-screen. Off-screen, Jack is an avid philanthropist, lending his voice to charitable causes across the nation. His participation in this year’s Winterfest Parade underscores his commitment to spreading holiday joy in South Florida.

Accompanying Jack are two of Florida’s favorite sports  figures—Stanley C. Panther and Viktor E. Rat, mascots of the Florida Panthers. Known for their community spirit and infectious energy, these beloved mascots bring joy to fans of all ages, embodying the teamwork and excitement that Florida Panthers hockey is known for.

The Grand Marshals will be honored at the exclusive Grand Marshal Reception, followed by leading the Parade the next night onboard the Grand Marshal Showboat presented by Fifth Third Bank.
Special performance by Alexander Star and The Rhythm Chicks.

Special Guests

2024 Grand Marshal Reception Celebrities - Alexander Star, The Rhythm Chicks, Captain Lee, Ryan Cabrera, Chris Kirkpatrick, Peyton Lewis, James Schultz, Mr. Monopoly, Jr. Captain Nicholas, Skip Ahoy
2024 Grand Marshal Reception Celebrities – Alexander Star, The Rhythm Chicks, Captain Lee, Ryan Cabrera, Chris Kirkpatrick, Peyton Lewis, James Schultz, Mr. Monopoly, Jr. Captain Nicholas, Skip Ahoy

Many local VIPs, dignitaries, and sponsors will be on hand to welcome this year’s celebrity Co-Grand Marshals. Fort Lauderdale’s Mayor, Dean Trantalis, will give the Co-Grand Marshals a key to our beautiful city and Riverwalk, Inc. will present a brick in their name(s) for the Riverwalk Celebrity Walk of Fame on the banks of the staging area of the Parade.

Please view photos of our past Grand Marshals Taylor Dayne, Joey Fatone, Chris Kirkpatrick, Mario Lopez, Brett Michaels, Huey Lewis, Big & Rich, PITBULL, Flo Rida, Deborah Norville, Barry Gibb, Brooke Burke, Kim Kardashian, Alonzo Mourning, Jim Belushi, Lorraine Bracco, Frankie Valli, Randy Jackson, Shaquille O’Neal, Ryan Hunter-Reay, and many more on our Facebook page.

New Song “Laudy Dayo!” Celebrating Diversity and Unity in Greater Fort Lauderdale to Debut during Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Boat Parade

The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Boat Parade producers are thrilled to announce a talented artist and songwriter will perform his new song “Laudy Dayo!” during the Parade. This anthem celebrates the diversity and unity found in Greater Fort Lauderdale/Broward County, where people of all nationalities, cultures, and value systems coexist under the sun.

Inspired by the inclusive nature of the community, ” Laudy Dayo!!” embraces the idea that everyone can express themselves freely and proudly. This song encourages individuals to embrace their uniqueness and “color out loud.”

The concept and title of the song were influenced by the brilliantly worded slogan of Broward County “Everyone Under the Sun,” which has been seamlessly integrated into the lyrics.

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Fifth Third Bank logo
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Sky Aviation logo
Cleveland Clinic logo
Broward County Convention Center logo
South Florida Business Journal logo
Rick and Flo logo

This is a private reception to honor our Grand Marshal. Become a  Sponsor – Get Invited! SPONSORSHIPS are available with this event. The event includes honoring our Jr. Captain from the Winterfest Foundation.

Need a room for the night? Click Here!

Winterfest Brings The Holidays Home!

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November 18, 2020

The Organizers of Winterfest, Producers of the Signature Event, The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade, brings “Home for the Holidays” with Decorating Contests, Virtual Events, Pop Up Santa Sightings, Holiday Cheer Light Cruises, and More as a countdown to the Annual Holiday Television Special

It was a very difficult decision to pause the “World’s Most Watch Boat Parade” for 2020, but that did not stop the organizers of Winterfest from reinventing this year’s holiday season.  The team may not be able to produce the famous Parade in December; however, they are committed to bringing community cheer with the theme, “Home for the Holidays.”

“This has been a very emotional time for all of us,” noted Lisa Scott-Founds, President and CEO of Winterfest, Inc. “The Parade is synonymous with the holidays. We had to weigh the safety of everyone onshore as well as the water. The event would create “gatherings” in public and private areas with little or no control regarding social distancing, and mask-wearing. What would those optics look like and how would that be perceived? It was decided by the Winterfest Board of Directors, as well as a few of our major sponsors, that the safety of the community was the main priority. As the area businesses open up, there is a tear that we are not the finale celebration for this difficult year. We may not have live events, but our calendar is full of holiday events and activities for everyone to enjoy.” Winterfest is asking the community to help spread the warm and positive feelings of the holidays by decorating and submitting a photo. Simply visit the https://winterfestparade.com/winterfest-decorating-contestto upload your images OR upload them on social media using the hashtag: #winterfestdecor on Instagram, Facebook, or Twitter. We want everyone to show their lights! When you enter on social media, include your social media handle, a brief description, and a shout-out where your amazing decorations are located (business name, for residents – your city, state … No exact location unless you want people to drive by and gawk!) If you decorated it – we want to see it (boats, homes, businesses, interior/exterior parts of your home … holiday tree, room, dock, balcony, porch, etc.)!  Lots of great prizes will be given out including a $500 Bloomers Frosé Basket to the photo with the most votes in select categories. A few over the top entries will receive the “Griswold Award” which will be selected by the president of the Broward, Palm Beaches & St. Lucie Realtors®, Jarrod K. Lowe. We even have a contest for the cutest holiday pets! Voters, we didn’t forget about you – Vote starting November 28th and you’ll be entered for a chance to win round trip travel on Southwest Airlines®.

Are you out and about? Enjoy the Holidays with Winterfest aboard Holiday Lights Cruises on a special decorated Water Taxi or download the Winterfest App to see where Santa will be from November 27th to December 24th as he vacations in Fort Lauderdale. Want to getaway? Check out Winterfest’s Social Media and Crown Wine & Spirits locations and enter to win a two-night stay at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, dinner for (2) two, Southwest Airlines tickets and more. Click on https://winterfestparade.com/contests for all the details on how to enter!

Looking to snuggle more on your comfy couch? Winterfest makes Holiday Shopping, baking, DIY ornament crafting easy with a click to our website. Your family can even enjoy Santa in your home virtually.  This year, Storytime with Santa is a Winterfest virtual experience with the first 100 children that are registered receiving a copy of the book Santa will be reading so kids may read along.. The sight will have the link to see Santa read ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas on December 5th. A list of all the holiday excitement is on the Winterfestparade.com site under “2020 holidays.”

And what would Winterfest be without the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade? On December 19th, 25th and 31st, turn on WSVN Channel 7 to watch a trip down memory lane with a retrospective of 49 years of this holiday tradition. For your holiday needs and wishes, go to Winterfestparade.com

For more information on Winterfest, Inc., call 954-767-0686.

Maintaining Tradition and Spreading Holiday Cheer Winterfest Style

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November 2020 – IFEA Magazine

Submitted By Dawn Diehl

Direct Link to the Magazine Article:

“As published in the International Festivals & Events Association’s “i.e.: the business of international events” quarterly magazine. The premiere association supporting and enabling festivals and events worldwide. For more information on the IFEA, go to www.ifea.com.”

DIY – Holiday Fun – Ornaments

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Winterfest is looking online for fun and creative festive fun for the whole family! From recipes to decorations, Winterfest is working on a few easy links to make this year “together” memorable. Keep visiting this page as we expand on how to get creative this holiday season.

HOMEMADE ORNAMENTS: Want to create a memory for your tree? Meet Winterfest’s Workshop Wizard – 8-year-old James T. (J.T.) Floyd – the star of our “How To Ornament Videos. ” He will show us how to make Boat (2 different kinds), Gnome, Snowflake, Wreath, and Star Ornaments.

Visit a Dollar Store, Hobby Lobby, or other location to pick up the following items and print out or re-create the easy templates on this page.

DIY Star Ornament in the Winterfest Workshop – Thank you to The Media Lab
DIY Wreath Ornament in the Winterfest Workshop – Thank you to The Media Lab
DIY Gnome Ornament in the Winterfest Workshop – Thank you to The Media Lab
DIY Boat Ornament in the Winterfest Workshop – Thank you to The Media Lab

OTHER CRAFT IDEAS (cookie links at the end of this post) :

DIY Ornament Video Ideas from Hobby Lobby:

OTHER LINKS:

Sailboat Ornament: https://www.cleanandscentsible.com/driftwood-sailboat-ornament/

Country Crafts (75 Ornament ideas): https://www.countryliving.com/diy-crafts/how-to/g1070/easy-to-make-christmas-ornament-crafts/

Salt Dough Ornaments: https://www.countryliving.com/diy-crafts/g4965/salt-dough-ornament-ideas/?slide=6

50 Coastal Holiday Decorating Ideas: https://www.prudentpennypincher.com/50-cheap-easy-diy-coastal-christmas-decorations/

Not in the Mood to Look for Items to Make Ornaments? Amazon has kits to make that memory: https://www.amazon.com/Ornament-Crafts-Kids/s?k=Ornament+Crafts+for+Kids

Gingerbread men cookies

What are the holidays without tasty treats from the Kitchen?

HOLIDAY COOKIES:

Linzer Cookies – Peppermint Melt-Away Cookies – Chocolate Truffle Bars recipes from Publix Aprons: https://ww4.publix.com/aprons-recipes/holiday-cookie-exchange

Santa’s Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies https://socialapps.publix.com/christmas/chocolate-chip-cookies

Gingerbread People https://socialapps.publix.com/christmas/gingerbread-people

Sugar Cookies https://socialapps.publix.com/christmas/sugar-cookies

Hannukkah Desserts (cookies and cakes) : https://www.delish.com/holiday-recipes/hanukkah/g1344/hanukkah-treat-recipes/

Winterfest Cancels 2020 Boat Parade; Leaders Look Forward to 50th Anniversary in 2021

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Fort Lauderdale, Florida – August 18, 2020 – The 2020 Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade slated for Saturday, Dec. 12, has been canceled due to ongoing coronavirus concerns and the organization’s unwavering commitment to the health and safety of participants and spectators.

Announcement of the cancellation followed a unanimous vote of the Winterfest Board of Directors to forego the 2020 boat parade.  Related Winterfest live events will also be canceled this year.

Organizers of the annual holiday celebration, one of the nation’s most popular community events, are instead focusing on the 50th Anniversary Year Boat Parade event in December of 2021.  The first Winterfest Boat Parade took place in December 1971.

“Our team, partners and community supporters were very hopeful for the traditional holiday boat parade to continue in December,” said Lisa Scott-Founds, President and CEO of Winterfest, Inc. “This was a very difficult decision, but we are being proactive and socially responsible for the health and safety of our community.  That is our top priority.”

Television Special Still Planned for this December

In addition to the 50th Anniversary events in 2021, organizers will concentrate this year on the annual television special focusing on the Best of the Parade with a “Home for the Holidays” theme.  The 2020 television special produced by WSVN Channel 7 will blend the retrospect and a combination of special surprises as organizers move their attention to the 50th anniversary December 2021

The television special scheduled to air in December will bring the best of the best of decorated boats into the comfort of viewers’ homes. The special will air again on Christmas and New Year’s Day along with additional airings on Fox Sports Sun. The “Home for the Holidays,” message will envelop a three-month campaign of virtual events leading up to the television show, including passive decorating entries of homes, businesses, boats, and docks. “We are bringing a hometown feel of family, friends, and parade partners to this year’s special,” said Lisa Scott-Founds. “Winterfest 2020 is a reflection of our community’s heart and hope.”

Winterfest is developing new simulated experiences with a touch of tradition such as picking this year’s Jr. Captain with the Winterfest Foundation, a Coloring Competition, Cookies with Santa, Video Greetings, Flashbacks of Fan Favorite Entries, and Celebrity Grand marshals along with a few local sightings of the Parade’s beloved mascot “Skippy” and Santa’s Elves.  Winterfest’s annual online auction promises to be one of the largest holiday shopping experiences with over 250 items from jewelry, travel, dinners, and more.

For more information as Winterfest builds with partner opportunities focusing on this year’s television special and the 50th Anniversary Celebration in 2021, contact the office 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 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 on Winterfest, please contact the office at (954) 767-0686 or website: www.winterfestparade.com.

Winterfest® Installs 2020-2021 Board Members

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Susan Renneisen, 2019-2021 Chairman of the Winterfest® Board,

 welcomes new Board Members via Zoom Meeting

VIA ZOOM, FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – May 18, 2020 – Winterfest®, Inc. recently hosted the installation of their new 2020-2021 board members via a Zoom Meeting. The installation and welcome of the board and advisory members was followed by an announcement from Winterfest® Chair, Susan Renneisen, Vice President of Community Affairs and Special Events at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood and Chairman-Elect Mark Swenson, Senior Vice President-Wealth Management at UBS Financial Services, Inc. – The Garvin Financial Team, naming parade participant and board member Britt Lanier, Franchise Owner, Two Men and a Truck, as 2021 Boat Parade Chair.

“I am pleased to announce our 2020-2021 board members, who collectively represent the top leaders and talent from within our business community.  This year presents a unique opportunity for us and through the collaborative efforts of our board and business partners we will produce a parade that will lift spirits and bring an element of joy to our South Florida families and beyond,” said Susan Renneisen, Vice President of Community Affairs and Special Events, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood and Winterfest® Chair.

“The 2020-2021 Winterfest® Board has a fresh new direction,” said Lisa Scott-Founds, Winterfest® President & CEO. “It is exciting to develop a celebration at the end of the year that our community will be looking forward to seeing in a variety of ways. We are always striving to bring the best and safest event to this area.”

 The Winterfest® board of directors is composed of 50 community leaders who are ambassadors for this signature South Florida event.

 New Board Members:

  • Amanda Cifu Burke – Florida Panthers
  • John Dunnuck – Broward College
  • James Harrison – Frank and Jimmie’s Propeller
  • Michael Johnson – Clearpath Alerts
  • Kristene Lundblad-Tokesky – Lank Oil Company
  • Steve Nudelberg – On the Ball
  • Gary Press – Lifestyle Magazine
  • Stacy Ritter – Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau
  • Ed Strobel – Sunshine Solar Services

New Advisory Members:

  • Isaac Benharoche – Light Up The Night
  • Eli Goldshtein – Light Up The Night
  • Jay Marhefka – Crown Wine and Spirits
  • John Moorman – Carroll’s Jewelers
  • Kim Nguyen – Harbor Nails & Hair
  • Duree Ross – Duree & Company
  • Chaz Warrington – DEX Imaging

To view the board/advisory members:  https://winterfestparade.com/new-board-and-advisory-page

 For more information, photos of new board/advisory members and a complete list of Winterfest® Board and Advisory Members, visit winterfestparade.com or call 954-767-0686.

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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 casino resort of Hard Rock International, owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. This world-renowned entertainment, gaming and hospitality destination unveiled a $1.5 billion expansion on Oct. 24, 2019.  New offerings include 638 upscale guestrooms in the first-ever Guitar Hotel, 168 luxury guestrooms and unique swim-up suites in the adjacent Oasis Tower at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood, and 465 newly redesigned guestrooms in Hard Rock Hotel for a combined room count of 1,271 throughout the resort. Additional  amenities include the lush, “Bora Bora” style lagoon with private cabanas and butler service; a 42,000 square-foot Rock Spa® & Salon; a 13.5-acre recreational water experience for swimming, kayaking and paddle boarding; 19 dining outlets and 20 bars and lounges; an expansive gaming floor with 3,100 slots, 195 table games and a 45-table poker room; 120,000 square feet of premier meeting and convention space including a 38,000 square-foot, carpeted exhibition hall; and The Shoppes at The Guitar Hotel, a 26,000 square-foot retail promenade. The highly anticipated Hard Rock Live entertainment venue with a 7,000-person capacity, will showcase A-list entertainers, comedy acts, Broadway performances, sporting events and live broadcast productions. The integrated resort is located on 87 acres of the Hollywood SeminoleReservation along State Road 7 (U.S. Highway 441), and is 10 minutes from Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport and 30 minutes from downtown Miami and Miami International Airport. For more information, visit us online at www.seminolehardrockhollywood.com, call 800-937-0010 or follow us: Facebook: SeminoleHardRockHollywood, Twitter: @HardRockHolly, Instagram: @HardRockHolly