ALL PARTICIPATING STUDENTS, PARENTS, TEACHERS and PRINCIPALS are invited. JOIN US for the 2025-2026 STUDENT ART EXHIBIT and AWARDS CEREMONY presented by Broadway director Neil Goldberg, author of the new award-winning children’s holiday book POMP, SNOW & CIRQUEumstance. AWARDS FOR FIRST, SECOND and THIRD PLACE AND HONORABLE MENTIONS.
Coming in 2027, this page will be updated with all the exciting details of our next Winterfest Appreciation Party.
We’ll see you then!
ATTENTION: PARTNERS & SUPPORTERS
This invitation-only celebratory event honors the people who play a huge role in the success of Winterfest® – our volunteers!
Hors D’oeuvres – Cocktails – Raffles – Fun – Friendship – More
The Carolyn McLaughlin Spirit of Volunteerism Award winner is announced during the event.
If you would like to be a volunteer – contact the Winterfest office.
A Testing Paragraph
December 8, 2026, 6 – 8 PM
Before the big night, all Parade participants are required to attend the Captains’ Meeting. Captains will receive line-up information and rules and regulations for the parade. Boat number and goodie bags featuring great items from our sponsors and raffle items are for Parade participants. CAPTAINS ONLY.
Following the meeting, first time boaters will have the opportunity to view the route on a Water Taxi.
Want to promote your company to boaters? Donation items/gift certificates to the boaters – contact Winterfest for details.
ADDITIONAL PARTNERS: Image360, Marine Industries of South Florida, Suntex Marinas and Water Taxi.
Have a Sponsorship Idea Not Listed? Contact Winterfest to have a representative discuss how to make your idea a reality.
Photos are on our Facebook page.
PRESS CREDENTIALS: All media requests must be submitted using an email address from the media’s active domain address. The submission must include a commitment from an editor/publisher noting where and when the story/photos will be printed/uploaded on social media platforms.
Any social media influencers must submit their handles, viewership, and pre-/event day promotion plans when requesting credentials.
Coming in 2026, this page will be updated with all the exciting details of the
55th Annual Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade VIP Viewing Party.
We’ll see you then!
Until then, enjoy a look back at the 2025 VIP Viewing Party
SPONSOR: Holy Cross Health
The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Boat Parade makes its “Official Start” at one of Fort Lauderdale’s most iconic locations – Tunnel Top Park, overlooking the historic Stranahan House and Riverside Hotel. More than 500 community leaders and sponsors will gather to enjoy an unforgettable evening filled with elegance, energy, and excitement.
Guests will sip cocktails and savor culinary creations from a variety of local restaurants, while mingling with Parade judges, WSVN’s television crew, and fellow supporters of this cherished community tradition.
A special thank you to Holy Cross Health for their continued support in making this exclusive experience possible. This is a sponsor-only event, offering unparalleled views of the Parade, premium hospitality, and a front-row seat to all the action in the Judging Area. Join the Winterfest® family of sponsors and be part of the magic where the Parade begins!
Chairs: Alyssa Lovitt, Nicole Covar & Gary Correll.
This area is Winterfest’s way of saying thank you to all our Board of Directors and Sponsors.
BY INVITATION ONLY.
Are you vacationing in this area for the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade and looking for something to do?
CLICK HERE to Discover Fort Lauderdale Beach or HERE to Visit Lauderdale
Your vote decides who wins! Whether you’re watching from home, the shore, or aboard a boat, cast your vote for your favorite parade entry and you could win round-trip travel on
Download the Winterfest® App, scroll through parade entries, and vote daily through January 8. Each boat has an assigned number – details available at WinterfestParade.com.
Celebrate creativity, spirit, and design – and honor the hard work of our amazing participants.
Mayor Dean Trantalis, City of Fort Lauderdale
Dean Trantalis has been mayor of Fort Lauderdale since March 2018 and previously served on the City Commission representing District 2 for eight years. As mayor, he represents the Broward County Tourism Development Council, the Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Broward Workforce Development Board.
Rear Admiral Adam A. Chamie, Assistant Commandant for Response Policy (CG-5R)
In RDML Chamie’s previous assignment, he served as the Coast Guard’s Chief of Congressional and Governmental Affairs. In this role, he was the Commandant’s strategic advisor for legislative affairs and was responsible for coordinating all engagements with Congress.
His military awards include the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal with operational device, among other personal, campaign, and unit awards. In 2023, RDML Chamie was designated an honorary Chief Petty Officer by the Commandant and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard. RDML Chamie was the 2002 Coast Guard Elite Athlete of the Year in the sport of powerlifting.
Radio Personality Paul Castronovo, iHeart Media – The Paul Castronovo Show
Celebrating his 40th year on the air in South Florida, Big 105.9 Morning Man, Paul Castronovo, host of the Paul Castronovo Show, is part of the landscape of South Florida. An avid Boater and Fishermen as well as being on the board of directors for the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, Paul says he is the perfect candidate to judge the legendary Winterfest Boat Parade. “What an honor to be a judge once again, and for all the boat entrants, I take Venmo” Paul quips. Paul can be heard weekday mornings on Big 105.9 FM from 6-10am
Debbie Danto, 2025 Chair of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Debbie has been an active and passionate advocate for local businesses, economic growth, workforce development and heart health. Her involvement with the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce has been instrumental in fostering collaboration among industries and enhancing opportunities for entrepreneurs and business leaders in the region.
Jonathan Lickstein, President of Broward, Palm Beaches & St. Lucie REALTOR®
After living in Honduras for six years and being exposed to different markets, Jonathan made a grand impact to the expansion of LoKation Real Estate. He played a pivotal role in growing a small team to more than 4,300 agents, earning recognition from Real Trends and RISMedia as the 11th largest independent brokerage in the U.S.
Beyond his role as president of Broward, Palm Beaches and St. Lucie Realtors®, Jonathan is the Chief Operating Officer at LoKation Real Estate, serving as a Broker, Mentor, and Certified Instructor. He also prioritizes giving back to the real estate community as an RPAC Major Investor and contributes to various committees with Florida Realtors® and the National Association of Realtors®.
President & CEO Stacy Ritter, Visit Lauderdale
Stacy Ritter was the 2024 Winterfest Belle of the Ball and is President and CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau (GFLCVB). As CEO, she is responsible for the administration of the GFLCVB, a 45-person organization of sales and marketing professionals with a $24 million operating budget that focuses its efforts on behalf of the County for multicultural tourism, LGBT+ development, film and entertainment as well as national and international advertising and public relations.
Be part of the judging team – along with community leaders – and help crown this year’s People’s Choice winner! Official Rules: winterfestparade.com/peoples-choice-award
What can I do while I’m in town for Winterfest? Click Here
Coming in 2026, this page will be updated with all the exciting details of our next Captain’s Cup celebrating 2026 winners and supporters.
We’ll see you then!
Complimentary Valet Parking
Dinner and Cocktails
Every Boat Entry attending the event will receive a copy of the Winterfest Television Show courtesy of WSVN Channel 7.
This wrap-up party recognizes parade entries, corporate sponsors, the board of directors, and Winterfest supporters. The Awards Dinner is decorated to the Parade’s theme with entertainment to compliment.
One lucky boater wins the People’s Choice Award. By voting – you are saying thank you to those that went the extra mile to become a winner! Voters have the opportunity to win airline tickets (see rules).
Live entertainment, cocktails, full-course dinner, and more!
EVERY PARADE ENTRY receives two (2) complimentary tickets to the event. Additional tickets can be purchased for $40 per person (limited tickets available and must be purchased in advance).
Tickets may be purchased for $40 per person.
