Winterfest Events
Shopping with Winterfest
Our online store (shopping cart) is stocked with Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade Merchandise specially crafted to help you get your Winterfest on! Shirts – Hats – Ornaments – Charms – more.
Pro Tip: Round out your collection of one-of-a-kind, commemorative Annual Winterfest Boat Parade Ornaments. They make great gifts!
2019 Grand Marshal – Bret Michaels
Bret Michaels – 2019 Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade
The 2019 Grand Marshal Experience will be hosted at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.
This Winterfest Celebration welcoming our Grand Marshal Bret Michaels includes dignitaries and celebrities who join us at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino to celebrate, Winterfest style. RECEPTION BY INVITATION ONLY.
Captain Lee, Miss Florida USA, Miss Teen USA, Joey Fatone, Chris Kirkpatrick, and Miss Latina Internationals.
This fabulous reception is the prelude to the parade. Many local VIP’s, dignitaries, sponsors will be on hand to welcome this year’s celebrity Grand Marshal. Fort Lauderdale’s Mayor, Dean Trantalis, will give the Grand Marshal a key to our beautiful city and Riverwalk, Inc. will present a brick in his/her name(s) for the Riverwalk Celebrity Walk of Fame on the banks of the staging area of the Parade.
Please view photos of our past parade Grand Marshals Huey Lewis, Big & Rich, PITBULL, Flo Rida, Deborah Norville, Barry Gibb, Brooke Burke, Kim Kardashian, Alonzo Mourning, Jim Belushi, Lorraine Bracco, Frankie Valli, Randy Jackson, Shaquille O’Neal, Ryan Hunter-Reay, and many more on our Facebook page.
This is a private reception to honor our Grand Marshal. Become a Sponsor – Get Invited!
SPONSORSHIPS are still available with this event.
Family Fun Day
Winterfest Family Fun Day at Huizenga Plaza
For an exciting day of family fun in Fort Lauderdale, head on over to Huizenga Plaza for Winterfest’s Family Fun Day. This event offers a plethora of free activities for kids of all ages–and parents, too! This holiday event features giant slides such as the Alpine Woods Toboggan Tunnel, Polar Express Slide, Catabella Express Train, and other activities.
Our Family Fun Day is in the heart of downtown Fort Lauderdale and it is packed with exciting family activities. You can get your face painted by our lovely artists, check out the Florida Renaissance Pirate Ship, hang out with the most adorable puppies from Pet Rescue Row, and so much more!
There are even plenty of opportunities for photo ops with Santa, and other surprise guests.
If you work up an appetite, there will be plenty of food and beverages options for sale. Get samples from LaCroix, and so much more.
With great food, fun activities, and live music, this is an event you don’t want to miss out on. It’s a perfect day on the New River / Riverwalk for the entire family. If you would like to become a sponsor, contact us today at 954-767-0686
Previous Sponsors: Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital and Publix
List of Event Highlights and booths:
- Photo opps: Santa
- WSVN Channel 7 and EyeOnSouthFlorida.com are scheduled to be on-location
- Pet Rescue Row
- Southwest Airlines
- Fifth Third Bank
- La Croix
Video from 2019 Family Fun Day
Sponsorship Opportunities
All sponsorships are created to provide the maximum entertainment/branding opportunities within the Winterfest Celebration.
Click on the sponsorship level of interest and a Winterfest representative will contact you to have a custom sponsorship created for your company.
OR
Call the Winterfest Office at 954-767-0686
Title Sponsor PENDING Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital
- Tickets to Winterfest Events – the Winterfest White Party, Grand Marshal Reception, VIP Area, and Captain’s Cup
- 10×20 Booth prominently displayed
- Logo inclusion in a variety of Winterfest Promotions including Family Fun Day Flyer and Social Media
- Other media opportunities
Presenting Sponsor PENDING Publix
- Tickets to Winterfest Events – the Winterfest White Party, Grand Marshal Reception, VIP Area, and Captain’s Cup
- 10×10 Booth prominently displayed
- Logo inclusion in a variety of Winterfest Promotions including Family Fun Day Flyer and Social Media
- Other media opportunities
Stage Sponsor $5,000
- Tickets to Winterfest Events – the Winterfest White Party, Grand Marshal Reception, VIP Area, and Captain’s Cup
- Logo inclusion in a variety of Winterfest Promotions including Family Fun Day Flyer and Social Media
- Other media opportunities
Sampling/Display Opportunities available i.e. La Croix $500 to $5,000
- Logo inclusion on Family Fun Day Flyers and Social Media
Ready to be a Sponsor?
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 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 promotions plans when requesting credentials.
Grand Marshal Reception
The 2021 Grand Marshal Experience will be hosted at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. This Winterfest Celebration welcoming our Grand Marshal includes dignitaries and celebrities who join us at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino to celebrate, Winterfest style.
RECEPTION BY INVITATION ONLY.
Many local VIP’s, dignitaries, sponsors will be on hand to welcome this year’s celebrity Grand Marshal. Fort Lauderdale’s Mayor, Dean Trantalis, will give the Grand Marshal a key to our beautiful city and Riverwalk, Inc. will present a brick in his/her name(s) for the Riverwalk Celebrity Walk of Fame on the banks of the staging area of the Parade.
Please view photos of our 2019 Grand Marshal Brett Michaels and past Grand Marshals: Huey Lewis, Big & Rich, PITBULL, Flo Rida, Deborah Norville, Barry Gibb, Brooke Burke, Kim Kardashian, Alonzo Mourning, Jim Belushi, Lorraine Bracco, Frankie Valli, Randy Jackson, Shaquille O’Neal, Ryan Hunter-Reay, and many more on our Facebook page.
This is a private reception to honor our Grand Marshal. Become a Sponsor – Get Invited! SPONSORSHIPS are available with this event. 2019 Sponsors included Alfa Romero of Fort Lauderdale and South Florida Business Journal. The video also includes images of our Jr. Captain from the Winterfest Foundation.
Need a room for the night?
Black Tie Ball
Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Black Tie Ball in Association with Republic National Distributing Co. will set the surrealistic mood for this enchanted evening. Video Invitation will be available in the Fall.
Special performances directly from the Broadway Production (Special thank you to Broadway Across America) and dance the night away. This event is tagged as the largest holiday gala in Fort Lauderdale.
The Ball is the most elegant of our festivities and by far the highlight of Fort Lauderdale’s social season. Who will be the 2021 Belle of the Ball? The official announcement will be in the Fall.
Other partners of the event: Silent Auction Bid at the convenience of your home in October with over 250 items. A live auction takes place inside the ballroom. If you wish to donate an item to our auction – click here.
Dinner and Dancing 8 – midnight. Hosted by the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Event Center.
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Black Tie Ball$300.00 – $5,000.00
Sponsorship Opportunities
All sponsorships are created to provide the maximum entertainment/branding opportunities within the Winterfest Celebration.
Click on the sponsorship level of interest and a Winterfest representative will contact you to have a custom sponsorship created for your company.
OR
Call the Winterfest Office at 954-767-0686
Title Sponsor $65,000
- Two Premium Tables of Ten at the Winterfest Black Tie Ball
- Tickets to other Winterfest Events – White Party, Grand Marshal Reception, VIP Area, and Captain’s Cup
- Logo inclusion in a variety of Winterfest Promotions including the Winterfest Black Tie Ball Video Invite
- Representative interviewed with a highlight included in one-hour television special and other media opportunities
Featured Liquor SECURED – Republic National Distributing Company
Welcome Reception Sponsor – $35,000
- VIP Table of Ten at the Winterfest Black Tickets to other Winterfest Events – Black Tie Ball, Grand Marshal Reception, VIP Area, and Captain’s Cup
- Logo inclusion in a variety of Winterfest Promotions including the Winterfest Black Tie Ball Video Invite
- Corporate inclusion in one-hour television special and other media opportunities
Live Auction Sponsor $15,000
- VIP Table of Ten at the Winterfest Black Tickets to other Winterfest Events – Black Tie Ball, Grand Marshal Reception, VIP Area, and Captain’s Cup
- Logo inclusion in a variety of Winterfest Promotions including the Winterfest Black Tie Ball Video Invite
- Logo inclusion on the digital auction used by Winterfest for over three months and promoted on a variety of media platforms
Silent Auction Sponsor – PENDING – Fidelity Investments
Entertainment Sponsor $15,000
- Tickets to the Winterfest Black Tie Ball
- Tickets to other Winterfest Events – White Party, Grand Marshal Reception, VIP Area, and Captain’s Cup
- Logo inclusion in a variety of Winterfest Promotions including the Winterfest Black Tie Ball Video Invite
- Corporate inclusion in one-hour television special and other media opportunities
Photo Sponsor $5,000
- Tickets to select Winterfest Events including the Winterfest Black Tie Ball
- Logo inclusion on the photos taken throughout the event by a select photographer and uploaded to social media
Qtego Auction Package (10 available range $5,000-$8,000)
- Tickets to select Winterfest Events including the Winterfest Black Tie Ball
- Logo inclusion on the digital auction used by Winterfest for over three months and promoted on a variety of media platforms
Swag Bag Sponsor ($2,000-$3,000 plus 1000 items)
- Tickets to select Winterfest Events including the Winterfest Black Tie Ball
- Logo inclusion on a variety of social media platforms
Ready to be a Sponsor?
Have a Sponsorship Idea not Listed? Contact Winterfest to have a representative discuss how to make your idea a reality.
Need a room? CLICK HERE
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 promotions plan when requesting credentials.
Volunteer Party
This celebratory event honors the people who play a huge role in the success of Winterfest® – our volunteers! Carolyn McLaughlin Spirit of Volunteerism Award winner is announced during the event. 2019 winner was Scott and Jeanie Welty.
2020/2021 Volunteer Party date: February 2021
If you would like to be a volunteer – contact the Winterfest office.
Control Boat Meeting
CONTROL BOATERS, PARADE SPOTTERS and HAM OPERATORS ONLY at the Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce. Contact Winterfest on how to get involved.
CONTROL BOATERS: Get a FRONT ROW seat to the parade while being the eyes and ears for the “Greatest Show on H2O!” All control boaters receive a goodie bag at the Control Boat Meeting with a light and signs. AFTER THE PARADE, volunteers are invited to the Winterfest Volunteer Party at Timpano! Join Today.
Captain’s Meeting
Past Sponsors included Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, Chevron, Image360 and ACR Electric.
WINTERFEST CAPTAIN’S MEETING is a mandatory meeting for all Boat Parade participants, and it is hosted by Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina. Captains will receive line-up information, along with rules and regulations for the parade. Goodie bags, featuring great items from our sponsors, and raffle items are for Parade participants. CAPTAINS ONLY.
Want to promote your company to boaters? Donation items / gift certificates to the boaters – contact Winterfest for details.
OFFICIAL BOAT SAFETY SPONSOR OF THE PARADE
to see photos from 2019 meeting CLICK HERE
Sponsorship Opportunities
All sponsorships are created to provide the maximum entertainment/branding opportunities within the Winterfest Celebration.
Click on the sponsorship level of interest and a Winterfest representative will contact you to have a custom sponsorship created for your company.
OR
Call the Winterfest Office at 954-767-0686
Host Location Sponsor – PENDING – Hilton Fort Lauderdale
Boat Number Sponsor – PENDING – Image 360
Fun Photo Sponsor $5,000
- Tickets to select Winterfest Events including the Winterfest White Party, Grand Marshal Reception and VIP Area of the Parade
- Logo inclusion on the photos taken throughout the event by a select photographer and uploaded to social media
Swag Bag Sponsor ($2,000-$3,000 plus 1000 items)
- Tickets to select Winterfest Events including the Winterfest White Party, Grand Marshal Reception and VIP Area of the Parade
- Logo inclusion on a variety of social media platforms
Ready to be a Sponsor?
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 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 promotions plans when requesting credentials.
VIP Viewing Party
Winterfest VIP Viewing Party
The most prestigious location to watch the Winterfest Boat Parade! Close to 400 community leaders, dignitaries, and Winterfest Sponsors will enjoy the ambiance of the VIP Area nestled next to Stranahan House at Laura Ward Park. This location is where the Parade starts along the New River. This event includes a magnificent buffet and cocktails featuring local restaurants, Riverside Hotel, and much more. The area is also host to the television show and our boat parade judges. This area is Winterfest’s way of saying thank you to all of our Board of Directors and Sponsors. BY INVITATION ONLY.
Previous Sponsors included Hotwire Communications, Holy Cross Hospital and Riverside Hotel.