Winterfest® Transforms Fort Lauderdale’s Waterways to Shades Of Neon This Holiday Season

Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade Press Release header

The Holiday Tradition Continues December 10, 2022 – The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Boat Parade

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FORT LAUDERDALE, FL  — The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Boat Parade organizers announced the celebration of its’ 51st Parade will take place on Saturday, December 10, 2022, with the theme “Neon Nightlife Under the Sea.” The holiday signature event of South Florida will provide an unforgettable night of glowing lights, music, and fun for locals, tourists, and people of all ages.  The much-anticipated, ultimate 12-mile neon block-party promises to be a magical night.

Winterfest® has been a beloved holiday tradition since 1971 when it first sailed as an organized event through the “Venice of the Americas,” the nickname for Fort Lauderdale and its famous waterways. The Parade showcases national and local businesses, but also individuals, families, groups, and charities that decorate their boats in lights and become stars on a floating stage, all for the delight of their community. 

This time-honored tradition brings more than 1 million spectators along the natural backdrop of Broward County from Fort Lauderdale’s New River and Intracoastal Waterways to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach.

“We are looking forward to having the largest number of private entries in history. Boaters are already planning on how they will showcase their creative decorating talents. The Parade is a time for families and our community to celebrate together, whether they’re watching online from home, applauding from their balconies, or being cheered on while sailing through the Parade themselves.” noted Lisa Scott-Founds, President & CEO Winterfest®, Inc.

Winterfest® hosts a complete line up before the Parade:

Gray Robinson, P.A. Winterfest® Launch Party 

Date: Oct. 21, 7-10 p.m.

Location: Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa, 3030 Holiday Dr., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

Cost: An invitation only event. Tickets are included in sponsorship. 

Description: The Launch Party, hosted by Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa, will begin with the Robinson Jewelers Grand Entrance and feature delights from featured restaurant, Casa Calabria, and other top chefs’ choices from Andy’s Live Fire Grill, BK Lobster, Eddie V’s, Billy’s Stone Crabs, Mimi’s Ravioli, Piazza Italia, 3030 Ocean, Timpano, Sea Level and Fogo de Chao. Guests will be able to relax in the Neuvana Lounge with a cocktail from Republic National Distributing, Co.

Secrets of the Sea 

Date: Nov. 5, 7-10 p.m. 

Location: Casa de Palma – Private Residence

Cost: Limited tickets are available. $100 per person 

Description: Steve Savor opens his private mansion for this fun event, in conjunction with Fort Lauderdale Film Festival, and in association with The Umbrella Group.

Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Winterfest® Family Fun Day presented by Publix

Date: Nov. 20, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Location: Esplanade Park. 400 SW 2nd street Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312

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, activities by Fifth Third Bank, South Florida Ford, Publix live entertainment and so much more.

Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Black Tie Ball Presented by Broward Health in association with Republic National Distributing Company

Date: Dec. 3, 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 explosion of excitement for this black-tie ball with entertainment sponsored by DEX Imaging, Welcome Reception by Hotwire Communications. Guests will enjoy special performances from the North American Tour of TINA, 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.

Skipper’s Meeting 

Date: Dec. 6, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Location: Coral Ridge Yacht Club

Cost: Parade participants only. 

Description: In association with Frank & Jimmie’s Propeller, FB Marine Group, Chevron, and Marine Association of South Florida (MIASF). Parade captains will enjoy dinner following the mandatory meeting. Goodie bags will be provided to each boater with Chevron gift cards. 

Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Grand Marshal Reception Presented by University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center 

Date: Dec. 9, 6-9 p.m. 

Location: Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood, Fl 33314

Cost: An invitation only event. Tickets are included in sponsorship. 

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

Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Boat Parade

Date: Dec. 10, starting at 6:30 p.m. in downtown Fort Lauderdale

Location: 12-mile route commencing on the New River and traveling along Fort Lauderdale’s Intracoastal waterway to Pompano Beach

Cost: FREE

Description: Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Boat Parade will celebrate with the theme, “Neon Night Life Under the Sea.” 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 glow and sparkle with aquatic images, music and décor. The dazzling event will close out the year with floating stages of entertainment, Miss Florida USA, Miss Florida Teen USA, 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 Kroger Delivery 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., Aqua Flight, Blah Face, LLC, Ren – Fest on board Bluefoot Pirate Boat, H-PROOF, Santa on board Jungle Queen, Water Taxi, Floating Concert Entries, and more. Parade viewers will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite entry on the Winterfest® App.

VIP Viewing Area Presented by Holy Cross Health, Nova Southeastern University 

Date: Dec. 10, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Location: Tunnel Top Park 

Cost: An invitation only event. Tickets are included in 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 and prestige of attending the private function between the Riverside Hotel and Stranahan House, directly located at the Parade start on the New River. This event includes great food from the Riverside Hotel 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 various media (thank you to Visit Lauderdale) and exclusive filming of the WSVN television show, and livestreaming. Votes will be cast in the Broward Mall Judges Area.

Baptist Health Parade Viewing Area presented by Florida Panthers

Date: Dec. 10, Gates open at 4 pm, 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/$20 children 

Description: In association with the Beach Business Improvement District, and the Florida Panthers, spectators will experience a “Party in the Park” festival atmosphere at the Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park. Visitors will enjoy the Stella Artois Culinary Courtyard featuring Twin Peaks Restaurant, Coca-Cola, LaCroix, Stella Artois and food vendors. Sampling by Kroeger Delivery, Checker’s and Celsius. 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 the Shane Duncan Band and Southern Blood. Parade commentary from Y100’s Drew, will be heard throughout the area.

Coming from out of town to see the Parade? Winterfest® has a variety of weekend hotel/ticket packages available at winterfestparade.com

Unable to come to Fort Lauderdale in December? No worries, the Parade will be available for viewing online. Winterfest® is once again teaming up with long time local community partner WSVN-TV Channel 7 to stream the Parade online. WSVN Channel 7 will also air the Winterfest® one-hour special to ensure no one is left out of the fun.

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.” 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: #WinterfestFL

Winterfest Boat Parade Reveals Mario Lopez as the 2021 Grand Marshal

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”

Winterfest Parade's 50th Anniversary Grand Marshal Mario Lopez

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 50th 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

Winterfest 50th Anniversary Events Line-Up

Winterfest logo

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 50th 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 50th 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 50th 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 50th 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.

50th 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 50th 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 50th 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.

Winterfest Is A Winner at the 2021 SunSational Awards

Florida Festivals & Events 2021 SunSational Award Winner logo
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.”

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.

Charles Fazzino Selected To Be 50th Anniversary Artist

Internationally Renowned 3-D Pop Artist Charles Fazzino Selected to Create the Official Artwork for the 50th Anniversary of Winterfest

Charles Fazzino’s 2021 Poster to Capture “50 Years of Hard Rockin’ Fun … Winterfest 2021”

FORT LAUDERDALE, FL – August 18, 2021 – Winterfest is pleased to announce that internationally renowned 3-D Pop Artist, Charles Fazzino, has been selected as the official artist of the 50th Anniversary of Winterfest, “50 Years of Hard Rockin’ Fun … Winterfest 2021.” The unveiling will take place during the “Winterfest White Hot Launch Party” on Saturday, Oct. 23, 2021. Fazzino will unveil the poster at Wentworth Gallery at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hollywood on Thursday, Nov. 18. The public is invited to the opening and will have the opportunity to mingle with celebrities such as Miami Dolphins player Emmanuel Ogbah.

“Winterfest has been one of my favorite events for decades,” said Fazzino. I used to spend my winters in Florida at all the art festivals and watched Winterfest as it was just getting started. I am honored to once again be painting the official poster for the 50th anniversary, and I hope that my work accurately captures the spectacle and the celebration.”

Parade producers will create some fun glimpses of the poster artwork around Fort Lauderdale and on social media. This is the third Winterfest poster designed by the acclaimed 3-D artist.

Charles Fazzino is well known for his extravagant and vivid 3-D New York City scenes. Some of his most recent commissioned artwork includes poster art for the Olympics, NFL Super Bowl, and NASCAR Nextel Cup Series.

“We are honored to have an internationally recognized artist to create our poster for our milestone anniversary,” said Lisa Scott Founds, President and CEO of Winterfest Inc. “Fazzino’s use of vibrant colors and celebratory images truly reflect the vision for this year’s parade.”

The highly anticipated signature event of the holidays, Winterfest, is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021, at 6:30 p.m. Fazzino is expected to view the parade along the staging area 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 50th anniversary. The dazzling event will close out the year with floating stages of entertainment, beauty queens, celebrities, and starry-eyed spectators of all ages.

For more information, to enter your boat in the parade, become a sponsor or to get involved, call 954-767-0686, or visit winterfestparade.com.

About Charles Fazzino 

Charles Fazzino — one of the most popular artists in the world—is an officially licensed artist of the NFL and twenty Super Bowls.  He is also an officially licensed artist of the 2021 MLB All-Star Game to be played on July 13, 2019 at Coors Field in Denver, CO, his 16th for Major League Baseball.He has also created official artwork for high profile events and installations, including: the Olympic Games, GRAMMY Awards, JFK International Airport, Fort Lauderdale Museum of Art, CMA Awards, Belmont Stakes, Daytona 500, Indy 500, K-Pop Museum in Seoul, Korea, and the President William J. Clinton Presidential Foundation, among many others. Charles Fazzino recently was commissioned by NBC Sports to create commemorative artwork for Sunday Night Football to celebrate its record of being 7 years of Primetime Television’s #1 Show.  See the entire collection at www.fazzino.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. 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.

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 on Winterfest, please contact the office at (954) 767-0686 or website: winterfestparade.com.

For More Information:

Kathy Keleher, Marketing and Parade Director, Winterfest, Inc.                       

kathy@winterfestparade.com       

winterfestparade.com

(954) 767-0686

Facebook: winterfest.parade

Instagram: WinterfestInc

#WF50

#WinterfestFL

Winterfest Brings The Holidays Home!

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

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.”