Winterfest Flashback to 2016 – Celebrating 45 Years

“Comics & Cartoons Rockin’ the Night Away”

2016 brought Mr. Worldwide to the 954. Pitbull reigned as the Grand Marshal for the 45^th annual Parade themed “Comics and Cartoons Rockin’ the Night Away.” Below Deck’s Captain Lee became the official Captain of Winterfest.

The Black-Tie Ball transformed into a “Cabaret” with performers of the Broadway play.  The Family Fun Day promoted a real ice rink with the Florida Panthers.

As the year came to a close, USA Today 10Best readers recognized Winterfest as one of the top 10 Best Holiday Parades.

THE PEOPLE OF WINTERFEST

Grand Marshal: Pitbull

Celebrity: Captain Lee (Bravo’s Below Deck)

Commodore: Doug Jones

Jr. Captain of the Parade: Danielle Moreno – Ann Storck Center

Belle of the Ball: Wendy Liebowitz

Super Hero: John Brant

Poster Artist: Charles Fazzino

Ornament Designer: Pat Anderson

Boat Parade Chairman: Mark Swenson

Ball Chairs: Susan Renneisen and Danielle Dattile

Student Art Chair: Rosalie Wheatley

Grandstand Chairman: David Greenberger

Control Boat Chair: Jim Zimmerman

Ham Operator Chair: Robin Terrill

Dock Walker Chair: Paula Bolender

Parade Judges Chairman: David Mundy

VIP Area: Lisa Duke

Volunteer Chair: Ginny Miller

Captain’s Cup Chairman: Kelly Tortoriello

Carolyn McLaughlin Volunteer Spirits Award Winner: Betty Rejack

Chairman of the Board: Jim Dunn

President/CEO: Lisa Scott-Founds

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS

Broadway came to the Black Tie Ball when attendees were entertained by members of the Broadway show “Cabaret.”

Second Year in a Row – Winterfest in the 10Best. In a repeat of 2015, USA Today 10Best readers recognized Winterfest as one of the Top 10 Best Holiday Festivals.

Winterfest Flashback to 2015

“Fairy Tales Afloat”

2015 brought the world of magic to the Parade with the theme “Fairy Tales Afloat.” Grand Marshal Nick Cannon waved to the crowds as Commodore Captain Lee left the helm to stand on the bow of the Republic National Distributing Company’s showboat. The Parade held a record number of entries including barges.

The Blacktie Ball kicked it up a notch with Broadway’s “Kinky Boots.” The Captain’s Meeting found a new location at the Hilton on 17^th Street Causeway and the Family Fun Day tied in with the City of Fort Lauderdale’s “Open Streets” for the second year in a row.

As the year came to a close, USA Today 10Best readers recognized Winterfest as one of the Top 10 Best Holiday Festivals.

THE PEOPLE OF WINTERFEST

Grand Marshal: Nick Cannon

Celebrity and Commodore: Below Deck’s Capt. Lee

Knight: Bob Leider (WSVN)

Jr. Captain of the Parade:  Madison Smith– Cure SMA (Spinal Muscular Atrophy) South Florida Chapter

Belle of the Ball: Lori Perlman – Broward Health

Poster Artist: Marcia K. Moore

Ornament Designer: Pat Anderson

Boat Parade Chairman: Mark Swenson

Ball Chairs: Susan Renneisen & Lori Perlman

Student Art Chair: Rosalie Wheatley

Grandstand Chairman: David Greenberger

Control Boat Chair: Jim Zimmerman

Ham Operator Chair: Robin Terrill

Dock Walker Chair: Paula Bolender

Parade Judges Chair: David Mundy

VIP Area Chair: Lisa Duke

Logistic Chair: John Haley

Volunteer Chair: Ginny Miller

Captain’s Cup Chair: Kelly Tortoriello

Carolyn McLaughlin Volunteer Spirits Award Winner: Kandi Osman

Chairman of the Board: Jim Dunn

President/CEO: Lisa Scott-Founds

OTHER HIGHLIGHTS:

In 2015, USA Today 10Best readers recognized Winterfest as one of the Top 10 Best Holiday Festivals.