Captain’s (b)Log
Lisa Scott Founds
President and CEO of Winterfest
President and CEO of Winterfest
12/7/19 Black Tie Ball – you purchased your tickets to the Ball – now get a room!
11/24/19 Celebrate Family Fun Day, a free event, by getting together with friends & family and stay locally!
Bill Walker as 2019 Commodore
Winterfest® Announces Bill Walker as 2019 Commodore of the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Boat Parade
FORT LAUDERDALE, FL September 12th, 2019 In honor of his dedication to the Parade and community involvement, the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Boat Parade has announced Bill Walker as the 2019 Commodore. Walker, President and CEO of Water Taxi Fort Lauderdale, has been involved as a Winterfest® board member as well as the Winterfest® Boat Committee since 2016, and has had his Water Taxis as Parade entries for over 10 years.
Since acquiring Water Taxi Fort Lauderdale in 2007, Walker and his company of 150 people have created a unique waterway service that has become a signature transportation resource to this area. Before relocating to South Florida, Walker served as the Principal and President at Boston’s Best Cruises. Here he developed a system that included the first high speed bow loading catamarans to be ADA accessible. Now, Walker is an established member of the Marine Advisory Board of Fort Lauderdale, Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce and the Las Olas Association Board of Directors. CEO of Winterfest® Lisa Scott-Founds said, “Bill’s passion, reliability, and extensive knowledge of maritime has made him the perfect candidate to take the helm as this year’s Winterfest® Commodore”.
Bill Walker will be honored at the Grand Marshal Reception on December 13th. Walker will be a part of the Parade along Fort Lauderdale waterways in true Commodore Style on December 14th, at 6:30p.m.
For more information please contact the Winterfest office at (954) 767-0686 or visit the website at 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 casino resort of Hard Rock International, owned by the Seminole Tribe of Florida. It isa world-renowned entertainment, gaming and hospitality destination that features a AAA Four Diamond-rated, 465 room luxury hotel; expansive gaming offerings including first-in-class slots, high-stakes table games and South Florida’s premier poker room; spa and fitness center; award-winning dining and nightlife; and the popular Hard Rock Event Center which hosts celebrity performances, comedy acts and sporting events. A $1.5 billion expansion slated to open October, 2019, will bring 638 new, luxury guestrooms to the first-ever, guitar-shaped Guitar Hotel and 168 upscale guest accommodations, including unique swim-up suites, in the adjacent Oasis Tower at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood. Upon completion, the property will have a combined total of 1,271 rooms. The project will also unveil a lush, “Bora Bora” style lagoon with private cabanas and butler service; a 42,000 square-foot Rock Spa®; 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 housing 3,100 slots, 193 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 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
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Kathleen Keleher, Marketing Director
or Amanda Rivera, Winterfest, Inc. Intern
954-767-0686, info @ winterfestparade.com
Website: winterfestparade.com
FB: winterfest.parade
Twitter/Instagram: WinterfestInc
#WinterfestFL
Disney’s Aladdin brings A Whole New World of entertainment to the 2019 Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Black Tie Ball presented by Ford
Fort Lauderdale, FL (September 10, 2019) Winterfest, Inc. and Disney Theatrical Productions announce the theme of the 2019 Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Black Tie Ball presented by Ford in association with Republic National Distributing Company. Your Broadway wish will be granted during the premier social event of 2019. On Saturday, December 7th, the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Black Tie Ball will host special performances from Disney’s Aladdin.
The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood will produce the event with luxurious and exotic décor. “We are looking forward to blending the magic of Disney’s Aladdin with the creative minds of our outstanding production team,” said Susan Renneisen, vice president of community affairs and special events for Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, FL. “As the 2019-2021 chairwoman of Winterfest, Inc. and co-chair of the Black Tie Ball, I always look forward to captivating the beauty, inspiration, and awe of Broadway. The entertainment and overall experience of this gala is unprecedented because of Winterfest’s affiliation with Broadway Across America.”
The Seminole Hard Rock Ballroom will transform into a cave of wonders for South Florida’s signature holiday gala boasting over 900 attendees. With just one rub of a magic lamp, guests will journey to the fictional land of Agrabah. Live performances and colorful décor will transport attendees from the moment they step into The Red “Magic Carpet” Reception. As the evening progresses, décor will immerse guests into Aladdin’s adventures as he stumbles upon the magic lamp, wish-granting genie and beautiful Princess Jasmine.
It doesn’t take three wishes to attend this year’s gala. Tables of 10 range from $3000-$5000 and reservations are now being accepted. This highly desirable event will sell out quickly. Didn’t get the digital invite? Click on the link: http://bit.ly/WinterfestBall2019, visit winterfestparade.com or call 954.767.0686 for more details.
Disney’s Aladdin will play a limited two-week engagement at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts in Ft. Lauderdale from January 8 – 19, 2020.
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. It isa world-renowned entertainment, gaming and hospitality destination that features a AAA Four Diamond-rated, 465 room luxury hotel; expansive gaming offerings including first-in-class slots, high-stakes table games and South Florida’s premier poker room; spa and fitness center; award-winning dining and nightlife; and the popular Hard Rock Event Center which hosts celebrity performances, comedy acts and sporting events. A $1.5 billion expansion slated to open October, 2019, will bring 638 new, luxury guestrooms to the first-ever, guitar-shaped Guitar Hotel and 168 upscale guest accommodations, including unique swim-up suites, in the adjacent Oasis Tower at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood. Upon completion, the property will have a combined total of 1,271 rooms. The project will also unveil a lush, “Bora Bora” style lagoon with private cabanas and butler service; a 42,000 square-foot Rock Spa®; 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 housing 3,100 slots, 193 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 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
About Aladdin
Aladdin, the hit musical based on the Academy Award®-winning animated film, opened on Broadway at the New Amsterdam Theatre to critical acclaim on March 20, 2014 and quickly established itself as one of the biggest new blockbusters in recent years, breaking 14 New Amsterdam Theatre house records; worldwide it has welcomed more than 10 million people and grossed over $1 billion. Its global footprint includes productions in Tokyo, Hamburg and on tour across North America.
Produced by Disney Theatrical Productions, under the direction of Thomas Schumacher, the show features music by Tony Award and eight-time Oscar® winner Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast, Newsies, Sister Act), lyrics by two-time Oscar winner Howard Ashman (Beauty and the Beast, The Little Mermaid), three-time Tony Award and three-time Oscar winner Tim Rice (Evita, Aida) and six-time Tony Award nominee Chad Beguelin (The Wedding Singer), with a book by Beguelin, and is directed and choreographed by Tony Award winner Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon).
Aladdin, adapted from the animated Disney film and centuries-old folktales including “One Thousand and One Nights,” is brought to fresh theatrical life in this bold new musical. Aladdin’s journey sweeps audiences into an exotic world of daring adventure, classic comedy and timeless romance. This new production features a full score, including the five cherished songs from the Academy Award-winning soundtrack and more written especially for the stage.
The animated film Aladdin was released by Disney in 1992 and was a critical and box office smash, becoming the highest-grossing film of the year.
The film won the Oscar for Best Original Score and introduced the hit song “A Whole New World,” which won the second of the film’s two Academy Awards as Best Original Song. The Peabo Bryson/Regina Belle recording of the tune soared to #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Aladdin is designed by seven-time Tony-winning scenic designer Bob Crowley, six-time Tony-winning lighting designer Natasha Katz, two-time Tony-winning costume designer Gregg Barnes and sound designer Ken Travis.
The production team also includes illusion designer Jim Steinmeyer, hair designer Josh Marquette and makeup designer Milagros Medina-Cerdeira. The music team is headed by music supervisor and music director Michael Kosarin, who also created the vocal and incidental music arrangements, joined by orchestrator Danny Troob and dance music arranger Glen Kelly.
For more information, visit AladdinTheMusical.com/tour, Facebook.com/Aladdin and Twitter.com/Aladdin.
Black Tie Ball – Book a Room
Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Boat Parade Announces Bret Michaels as 2019 Grand Marshal
Fort Lauderdale, FL (August 13, 2019) – Parade Organizers announced today legendary multi-platinum superstar, Bret Michaels, as the Grand Marshal of the 48th Annual Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Boat Parade on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2019.
Bret will serve as an ambassador for South Florida’s most acclaimed holiday celebration.
“Bret is one of the most iconic faces of rock-n-roll and we are excited to have him bring his superstar presence to rock Greater Fort Lauderdale,” said Lisa Scott-Founds, President & CEO of Winterfest, Inc. “The added bonus is having him perform at the new Hard Rock Live the night before the Parade as part of his 2019 worldwide Unbroken Tour.”
Michaels’ relentless work ethic has extended him beyond his front man persona in the band “Poison” and his solo career in music. His Michaels Entertainment Group is a multi-million dollar empire. Along with his multifaceted career, he helps to raise millions of dollars for charities through his Life Rocks Foundation. He has partnered with both the American Diabetes Association and Juvenile Diabetes acting as a spokesperson and sponsor.
“Seminole Hard Rock is thrilled to have Bret Michaels serve as this year’s Grand Marshal, kicking off the holiday season in style. His iconic stage personality screams Hard Rock and is sure to shake up the waterways”, said Susan Renneisen, vice president of community affairs and special events for Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, FL. “As the chairwoman of Winterfest, Inc., I am personally excited to bring such an energetic Grand Marshal to rock this 12-mile Parade.”
Michaels will be a part of a private Winterfest® Grand Marshal Reception on Friday, Dec. 13 prior to his concert at Hard Rock Live at 8 p.m. The public will be able to purchase concert tickets for $70, $50, $40 and $30. All seats are reserved and available at all Ticketmaster outlets online at www.myhrl.com and www.ticketmaster.com. The following night, he will appear in the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Boat Parade on Dec. 14. For more information on the Winterfest Celebration and how you can be a participant, visit WinterfestParade.com or call 954-767-0686.
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Editor’s Note: Bio and Hi-Res images https://www.dropbox.com/sh/p9u0p09cwgw22l8/AAC2ChntD4wXV88SVshjIpARa?dl=0.
Unbroken link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAq2hhRF048
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. It isa world-renowned entertainment, gaming and hospitality destination that features a AAA Four Diamond-rated, 465 room luxury hotel; expansive gaming offerings including first-in-class slots, high-stakes table games and South Florida’s premier poker room; spa and fitness center; award-winning dining and nightlife; and the popular Hard Rock Event Center which hosts celebrity performances, comedy acts and sporting events. A $1.5 billion expansion slated to open October, 2019, will bring 638 new, luxury guestrooms to the first-ever, guitar-shaped Guitar Hotel and 168 upscale guest accommodations, including unique swim-up suites, in the adjacent Oasis Tower at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood. Upon completion, the property will have a combined total of 1,271 rooms. The project will also unveil a lush, “Bora Bora” style lagoon with private cabanas and butler service; a 42,000 square-foot Rock Spa®; 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 housing 3,100 slots, 193 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 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
Entry Fees Start At $35
Payment: You may purchase your Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade entry in our online store after you submit your parade application. After your application submission, you will be redirected directly to the Boat Entry Fee in our online store that matches your choice of Vessel Category above. Please enter your vessel name in the “Order notes” field during checkout. It’s an easy step to Holiday FUN!
The types of parade entries and the prices are as follows:
- PRIVATE or NON-PROFIT: $35.00 (NO SIGNAGE or NON-PROFIT Sign ONLY)
- GOVERNMENT: $35.00 (Government signage allowed)
- COMMERCIAL SIGNAGE (ALL signage approved by Winterfest.) Fees are based on vessel size:
- $250.00 20’ to 39’
- $500.00 40’ to 59’
- $1,000.00 60’ +
- CHARTER (ALL signage approved by Winterfest):
- $500.00 20’ to 39’
- $1000.00 40’ to 59’
- $1,500.00 60’ +
- SHOWBOAT (Any vessel with approved signage – Sponsor designation and Guaranteed Television): $8,000.00
All Entry Fees include an 8×10 photo of entry & Two tickets to the Captain’s Cup Awards Dinner in 2021. Additional tickets to the Captain’s Cup Awards Dinner are available in our online store.
Submit Your Auction Item
DONATE TODAY TO BE A PART OF THE 2024 WINTERFEST SILENT AUCTION. Reap the rewards for your item and logo displayed on our digital auction platform from October to December 7. This online auction has a separate marketing campaign on social media with select items that will be highlighted on Winterfest’s social media.
YOUR SUPPORT helps this organization create free events such as the Parade. Scroll to the bottom of this page for more details about Winterfest. You can fill out the form on this website or download this fillable pdf form.
SUGGESTED DONATION:
- Event VIP Tickets
- Sporting Event Tickets
- Attraction Tickets
- Gift Cards & Certificates
- Purses & Jewelry
- Beer, Wine, and Liquor
- Exclusive Experiences
- Memorabilia
- Hotel Stays
- Vacation Packages
- Spa & Salon Products or Services
- Airline Tickets
PLEASE COMPLETE THE FORM:
THANK YOU IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF WINTERFEST, INC.
Spurred by the continued popularity of the parade, a not-for-profit organization, WINTERFEST, Inc., was formed in 1988 to administer the Boat Parade and to build a festival around it.
Winterfest, Inc. is known for producing wholesome, unique, internationally recognized events that reflect the diversity and culture of South Florida. South Florida’s signature event, the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade, has earned the title “The World’s Most Watched Boat Parade.”
Winterfest embraces the dual goals of providing a means for the residents of the Greater Fort Lauderdale area to come together and enjoy spectacular and unique events and attracting positive national and international attention to the area as a tourist destination and a great place to live, work, and play.
Your item and images will be a part of our ONLINE AUCTION powered by QTego, which can be seen on your laptop or smartphone.
Winterfest Parade Viewing Area Tips
For your safety. In order to help protect our valued guests, Winterfest will conduct searches of bags at our entrances, as a condition of entry onto the viewing area. Expect to walk through metal detectors and/or wands, so empty your person of metal objects.
TIPS TO ENJOY YOUR PARADE VIEWING EXPERIENCE AT THE GATED AREA AT LAS OLAS AND THE INTRACOASTAL
Arrive early. There is plenty to see and do. The area opens at 4:00 p.m. with live entertainment and activities. Food and beverages are for sale in this gated viewing area.
Bridges: Bridge Timings are approximate, and traffic can cause delays. Plan to be in the area no later than 6 p.m. For bridge openings throughout the day of parade: https://winterfestparade.com/when-are-the-bridges-up
Note: Las Olas Blvd. Bridge opens for boats on a regular schedule on the quarter and three-quarter hour. The bridge will be in the locked open position for the Parade starting at 6:45 PM ’till the Parade ends.
Check the weather. South Florida weather in December is world-famous for its balmy, tropical conditions, but can change quickly. Check whether you need a hat, a sweater, or a poncho. Our official television station, WSVN Channel 7, hosts a seven-day forecast. https://wsvn.com/weather/
Seating. Chairs will be provided.
Parking. Las Olas Parking Garage is adjacent to the Park. Winterfest encourages Ride Share for this event.
Pets. Please leave pets at home. Pets are not permitted in the Park. Do not leave them in your vehicle. Only service dogs are allowed within the Parade viewing area. Remember, the Parade has fireworks.
Photos. The Parade and Viewing Area will have plenty of snapshot opportunities. Remember to upload your photos to social media with the hashtag #WinterfestFL
Credit cards & ATM’s. MasterCard, Visa, American Express, and Discover are accepted at designated ATM machines. Check with Winterfest Services for more information.
Remember your medication. If you have a medical condition requiring medication, bring what you need with you.
Parade Entry List. This website and the Winterfest app will have a list of Parade Entries. Many of the photo images will be uploaded approximately an hour before viewing the Parade.
Vote for your Favorite Boat: You can vote for your favorite entry on winterfestparade.com or with the Winterfest App starting on Parade day. You can vote once a day until January 8, 2024, for a chance to win a prize.
Lost? Please seek assistance at the Guest Services booth regarding lost children.
Lost & Found Items. If you’ve lost an item during your visit, all unattended property will be safely placed in the Guest Services booth.
Bring your appetite. The Parade Viewing Area has a festival atmosphere with food and drinks available for purchase. Remember, this location is close to Fort Lauderdale Beach with plenty of restaurants to enjoy pre and post Parade!
Event Location Updates: Look for entertainment and vendor updates on this website.
Have a blast! The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade is the “Best Show on H2O,” one of the oldest holiday traditions in our community and the 7th Largest Spectator Event in the Country. Have a great time!
Photographers and Media in this Area. When you attend our events, you consent to photography, audio recording, video recording and its/their release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction to be used for news, webcasts, promotional purposes, telecasts, advertising, inclusion on websites, social media, or any other purpose by Winterfest, Inc./Winterfest Foundation and its affiliates and representatives of the event.
Images, photos, and/or videos may be used to promote similar events in the future, highlight the event, and exhibit the capabilities of the event representatives and this website. You release Winterfest, Inc., the event representatives, its officers, employees, and each and all persons involved from any liability connected with the taking, recording, digitizing, or publication and use of interviews, photographs, computer images, video, and/or sound recordings.