Before the big night, all Parade participants are required to attend the Captains’ Meeting. Captains will receive line-up information and rules and regulations for the parade. Boat number and goodie bags featuring great items from our sponsors and raffle items are for Parade participants. CAPTAINS ONLY.
Following the meeting, first time boaters will have the opportunity to view the route on a Water Taxi.
Want to promote your company to boaters? Donation items/gift certificates to the boaters – contact Winterfest for details.
ADDITIONAL PARTNERS: Image360, Marine Industries of South Florida, Suntex Marinas and Water Taxi.
Have a Sponsorship Idea Not Listed? Contact Winterfest to have a representative discuss how to make your idea a reality.
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 promotion plans when requesting credentials.
The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Boat Parade makes its “Official Start” at one of Fort Lauderdale’s most iconic locations – Laura Ward Plaza. This exclusive gathering brings together more than 500 community leaders, sponsors, and distinguished guests to celebrate the excitement and tradition of South Florida’s most beloved holiday spectacular.
Guests will enjoy an unforgettable evening of exceptional hospitality, festive cocktails, and culinary creations from some of the area’s finest local restaurants. The celebration offers a unique opportunity to connect with fellow community leaders, meet the Parade judges, mingle with the WSVN Channel 7 / ABC Miami television crew, and experience the energy surrounding the official beginning of this iconic holiday tradition.
This sponsor-only experience reflects the extraordinary collaboration between Winterfest®, its valued sponsors, and the Greater Fort Lauderdale community – bringing together the people and partnerships that make the magic possible.
Chairs: Alyssa Lovitt, Nicole Covar & Gary Correll.
This area is Winterfest’s way of saying thank you to all our Board of Directors and Sponsors. BY INVITATION ONLY.
Are you vacationing in this area for the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade and looking for something to do? CLICK HERE to Discover Fort Lauderdale Beach or HERE to Visit Lauderdale
People’s Choice Award – You Be the Judge
Your vote decides who wins! Whether you’re watching from home, the shore, or aboard a boat, cast your vote for your favorite parade entry and you could win round-trip travel on Download the Winterfest® App, scroll through parade entries, and vote daily through January 8. Each boat has an assigned number – details available at WinterfestParade.com. Celebrate creativity, spirit, and design – and honor the hard work of our amazing participants.
2026 Parade Judges:
Mayor Dean Trantalis, City of Fort Lauderdale
Dean Trantalis has been mayor of Fort Lauderdale since March 2018 and previously served on the City Commission representing District 2 for eight years. As mayor, he represents the Broward County Tourism Development Council, the Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Broward Workforce Development Board.
Rear Admiral Adam A. Chamie, Assistant Commandant for Response Policy (CG-5R)
Rear Admiral Adam Chamie assumed the duties as the Coast Guard Assistant Commandant for Response Policy in May, 2024. In this capacity, he is responsible for developing strategic response doctrine and policy guidance for all Coast Guard forces. These policies encompass seven of the eleven operational maritime missions, including law enforcement, search and rescue, maritime security, counterterrorism, defense operations, marine environmental response, and emergency management and disaster response programs. Read more…
In RDML Chamie’s previous assignment, he served as the Coast Guard’s Chief of Congressional and Governmental Affairs. In this role, he was the Commandant’s strategic advisor for legislative affairs and was responsible for coordinating all engagements with Congress.
His military awards include the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal with operational device, among other personal, campaign, and unit awards. In 2023, RDML Chamie was designated an honorary Chief Petty Officer by the Commandant and Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard. RDML Chamie was the 2002 Coast Guard Elite Athlete of the Year in the sport of powerlifting.
Radio Personality Paul Castronovo, iHeart Media – The Paul Castronovo Show
Celebrating his 41st year on the air in South Florida, Big 105.9 Morning Man, Paul Castronovo, host of the Paul Castronovo Show, is part of the landscape of South Florida. An avid Boater and Fishermen as well as being on the board of directors for the Guy Harvey Ocean Foundation, Paul says he is the perfect candidate to judge the legendary Winterfest Boat Parade. “What an honor to be a judge once again, and for all the boat entrants, I take Venmo” Paul quips. Paul can be heard weekday mornings on Big 105.9 FM from 6-10am
Michael Udine, Broward County Commissioner
Michael Udine has served as Mayor and City Commissioner of Parkland, Florida, and was elected to serve as a Broward County Commissioner in 2016. He was named Vice Mayor in November 2020 and Mayor in November 2021.
As a practicing attorney and owner of the law firm Udine and Udine, the Commissioner promotes small business ownership and is currently focusing his attention on attracting technology-based industry to Broward County to encourage future innovation and high paying, skilled jobs.
Janna Lhota, 2026 Chair of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce
Janna P. Lhota, currently serving as the 2026 2026 Board Chair for the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, is a partner in Holland & Knight’s Fort Lauderdale office and practices in the firm’s Real Estate Section in the areas of land use and zoning. Her practice focuses on land use and zoning, telecommunications and litigation, including private and governmental entities.
President & CEO Stacy Ritter, Visit Lauderdale
Stacy Ritter was the 2024 Winterfest Belle of the Ball and is President and CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau (GFLCVB). As CEO, she is responsible for the administration of the GFLCVB, a 45-person organization of sales and marketing professionals with a $24 million operating budget that focuses its efforts on behalf of the County for multicultural tourism, LGBT+ development, film and entertainment as well as national and international advertising and public relations.
AND YOU!
Be part of the judging team – along with community leaders – and help crown this year’s People’s Choice winner! Official Rules: winterfestparade.com/peoples-choice-award
The 2026 Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade
PUBLIC VIEWING AREA
Winterfest’s Parade Public Viewing Area, sponsored by Nicklaus Children’s Health System, is conveniently located in east Fort Lauderdale at Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park on the Southeast corner of Las Olas Boulevard and the Intracoastal Waterway. Rideshare is encouraged, and parking is within walking distance from the event area. Your ticket lets you experience a wonderful afternoon and evening of festival activities, interactive games, continuous stage entertainment, vendors, photo opportunities with Santa Claus and mascots before the main event – the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade.
The excitement begins at 4:00 PM when the gates open. Come early and bring the family (no pets, please) to enjoy the amenities. Enjoy the Culinary Courtyard, Live Entertainment, and activities. The Parade gets underway at 6:00 PM along The New River in Downtown Fort Lauderdale and should arrive at the Parade Viewing Area at approximately 6:30 PM.
SEATING (chairs) will be provided for every guest.
PARADE COMMENTARY by radio personalities from iHeart Radio.
TICKETS for the 2026 Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade on December 12, 2026.
Conveniently located adjacent to public parking, rideshare drop-offs, and shuttle services from local hotels.CLICK HERE for a list of Winterfest Weekend specials from our hotel partners!
Entertainment on the City of Fort Lauderdale’s stage starting at 4:00 PM. The area transforms into a concert at 4:00 PM.
Hungry? Thirsty? Don’t worry, we have you covered! Our Culinary Corner will have a variety of festival foods
Photo opportunities with the jolly man himself – Santa, before he rides in the Parade.
Parade Commentary provided by iHeart personality.
Download the Winterfest App for updates and opportunities to vote for your favorite boat.
BRIDGES:Bridge Timings are approximate, and traffic can cause delays. The Las Olas Blvd. Bridge opens for boats on a regular schedule on the quarter and three-quarter hour. The bridge will be locked open for the duration of the Parade, so to make sure you have enough time to get to the Parade Viewing Area plan on being on the east side of the Las Olas Bridge by 6:00 PM.
The Epic 2025 Captain’s Cup is In The History Books!
Coming in 2026, this page will be updated with all the exciting details of our next Captain’s Cup celebrating 2026 winners and supporters. We’ll see you then!
February 25, 2026
6:00 – 9:00 PM
2345 Wilton Drive
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33305
Complimentary Valet Parking
Dinner and Cocktails
Every Boat Entry attending the event will receive a copy of the Winterfest Television Show courtesy of WSVN Channel 7.
Winterfest celebrates parade participants and partners that make the year magical.
This wrap-up party recognizes parade entries, corporate sponsors, the board of directors, and Winterfest supporters. The Awards Dinner is decorated to the Parade’s theme with entertainment to compliment.
One lucky boater wins the People’s Choice Award. By voting – you are saying thank you to those that went the extra mile to become a winner! Voters have the opportunity to win airline tickets (see rules).
Live entertainment, cocktails, full-course dinner, and more!
EVERY PARADE ENTRY receives two (2) complimentary tickets to the event. Additional tickets can be purchased for $40 per person (limited tickets available and must be purchased in advance).
