Marine wildlife artist and conservationist Guy Harvey designs the Winterfest Parade Poster for 1998
Timeline
First Official Commodore of the Parade
Winterfest establishes a tradition, honoring Guy Harvey as our first official Commodore.
First Family Fun Day
Family Fun Day was created to provide free fun in the Greater Fort Lauderdale / Broward County community featuring a variety of activities geared for the entire family. This event has boasted in excess of 7,000 guests consistently since its inception.
1997
Winterfest Flashback to 1997
“Hail the Decks with Bells and Holly“
Parade Theme: “Hail the Decks with Bells and Holly“
THE PEOPLE OF WINTERFEST
Grand Marshals: Dave Thomas (founder and CEO of Wendy’s) and Brandi Sherwood (Miss USA 1997)
Belle of the Ball: Ina Lee – First Belle of the Ball a special honor to highlight the parade’s new Title Sponsor, BellSouth. Belle of the Ball is an annual award presented at the Black Tie Ball to a member of the business community known for their commitment to volunteerism and public service.
Poster Artist: Greg Flinn
Boat Parade Chairman: Steve Casper
Ball Chair: Martha Forsyth – theme “Midnight in the Garden”
Shoreline Chairman:
President/Chairman of the Board: John Forsyth
Executive Director: Lisa Scott
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Officially called “The BellSouth Winterfest Boat Parade Presented by Nokia.”
The Winterfest Black Tie Ball featured Joey Dee and the Starliters at the Signature Grand on December 5.
Dawn Diehl returns.
Co-Grand Marshals: Dave Thomas & Brandi Sherwood
Dave Thomas, the founder and CEO of Wendy’s restaurants, and Brandi Sherwood, Miss USA 1997.
First Belle of the Ball
The first ever “Belle of the Ball,” an annual award presented at the Black Tie Ball to a member of the business community known for their commitment to volunteerism and public service, goes to Chair Emeritus Ina Lee.
New Title Sponsor
With a new title sponsor, Bell South, the parade is officially called “The BellSouth Winterfest Boat Parade Presented by Nokia.”
1996
Winterfest Flashback to 1996
“By the Lights of the Silvery Moon”
Parade Theme: “By the Lights of the Silvery Moon” – 25th Anniversary
THE PEOPLE OF WINTERFEST
Grand Marshals: Mickey Mouse and Minnie Mouse
Poster Artist: Forsyth Agency
Boat Parade Chairman: Stacey Hallberg
Ball Chair: Martha Forsyth
President/Chairman of the Board: David K. Blattner
Executive Director: Lisa Scott
Marketing Director: Stephen Heard
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
The Parade officially become known as the Continental Airlines Boat Parade.
WSVN Channel 7 and Comcast Communications collaborate to provide WINTERFEST with an extravagant television program that is syndicated all over the world with an audience of 40 million viewers.
The Boat Parade showcases Fort Lauderdale’s own Olympic divers, Mary Ellen Clark and Jenny Keim.
Winterfest’s 25th Anniversary
Our Silver Anniversary marks 25 years of helping Fort Lauderdale celebrate the holidays.
Co-Grand Marshals: Mickey and Minnie
Mickey and Minnie Mouse, celebrating the 25th year of Walt Disney World in Orlando, are Co-Grand Marshals for Winterfest’s 25th anniversary.