Winterfest provides 3,000 seats at Birch State Park, including bus service from parking.
Timeline
Co-Grand Marshals: Willard Scott & Gary Collins
In 1986, Grand Marshal duties were shared by stars Willard Scott (NBC Today Show) and Gary Collins (Hour Magazine).
1985
Winterfest Flashback to 1985
“Tropical Treasures”
Parade Theme: “Tropical Treasures”
THE PEOPLE OF WINTERFEST
Co-Grand Marshals: Willard Scott – NBC Today Show and Doc Severinsen – NBC Tonight Show
Boat Parade Chairman: Diane Simonsen
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Winterfest Black Tie Ball joins the roster of events. The Black Tie Ball is held at the Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa and hosts national entertainment and the cream of Fort Lauderdale society, including notables such as Wayne Huizenga.
The Second Annual Winterfest Beach Ball entertainment included concerts from stars James Taylor and Doc Severinsen, who was accompanied by the South Florida Symphony.
Celebrities on one of five lead boats in the parade included Grand Marshals Doc Severinsen and Willard Scott, Entertainment Tonight host Mary Hart, Miss Universe Deborah Cathy-Deu, singer Mel Torme and treasure hunter Mel Fisher.
MR. BOBB, the 60 foot Hatteras Sport fisherman owned by the Messingschlager Family, debuts. Over the decades MR. BOBB has become a tradition and has always been a “People’s Choice Award” winner.
Co-Grand Marshals: Doc Severinsen & Willard Scott
Doc Severinson, Jazz Trumpeter and Bandleader on the Tonight Show with Johnny Carson and Willard Scott from NBC’s Today Show.
First Float for Mr. Bobb
MR. BOBB, the 60 foot Hatteras Sport fisherman owned by the Messingschlager Family, debuts. Over the decades MR. BOBB has become a tradition and has always been a “People’s Choice Award” winner.
The First Winterfest Black Tie Ball
The WINTERFEST Black Tie Ball joins the roster of events.
1984
Winterfest Flashback to 1984
THE PEOPLE OF WINTERFEST
WINTERFEST goes national with Boat Parade Grand Marshal Willard Scott, famed meteorologist of NBC’s Today Show.
Poster Artist: Don Eighnie
Boat Parade Chairman: Dick Burkle
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
“Winterfest Beach Ball” is added as an event and, with musical guests Spyro Gyra, draws a crowd of 100,000.
The Winterfest Beach Ball, a free event which takes place the day after the Boat Parade, closes down A1A from Las Olas to Sunrise with a stage featuring national entertainment each year such as Roberta Flack, James Taylor, etc. It was an all day event, including arts & crafts, restaurants, and music on 3 different stages.
Our First National Grand Marshal
WINTERFEST goes national with our first “Official” Boat Parade Grand Marshal Willard Scott, famed meteorologist of NBC’s Today Show.
First Beach Ball
The Inaugural Beach Ball, with musical guests Spyro Gyra, draws a crowd of 100,000.
1983
Winterfest Flashback to 1983
“A Tropical Fantasy”
“A Tropical Fantasy” is chosen as the first WINTERFEST theme. Participating boats add animation and props to interpret the theme.