Did You Know?

Winterfest: A Celebration with Purpose

  • Winterfest is more than a parade—it’s a year-round community partner. With over $600,000 in donations, Winterfest supports local fundraisers and nonprofits, and its events help charities raise millions, including one that earned over $1.4 million.
  • Financial support sustains this tradition—empowering our community, inspiring youth, and uplifting local causes.

WINTERFEST, INC.

  1. Winterfest® Inc. is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization producing world-class events that celebrate and promote Greater Fort Lauderdale and its businesses through the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Boat Parade—a 12-mile Parade. The Parade is a cherished community tradition since 1971 and incorporated in 1988. The Parade brings vacationers around the globe to enjoy the “Best Show on H2O” with an economic impact of over $50 million to this area.
  2. Operates with a core staff of three, supported by a dedicated Board of Directors, interns, and hundreds of year-round volunteers.
  3. Collaborates with local, state, and federal agencies—including
    1. the U.S. Coast Guard
    2. Fort Lauderdale Police, Marine, and Fire Rescue
    3. Broward Sheriff’s Office both land and marine
    4. FDOT (Florida Department of Transportation)
    5. Florida Highway Patrol
    6. Homeland Security (including but not limited to FBI and CIA) —to ensure safety on land, sea, and air during the free annual Parade each December.
  4. Engages more than 500 personnel, including
    1. 20% of the police
    2. 2 Boats, 5 Land crews for Fire Rescue detail
    3. 20 Ham Operators
    4. 15-25 Control Boats
    5. 16+ Dock walkers
    6. 8 Bridges and 8 Bridge Tenders (one train bridge)
    7. 8 Tow Boats
    8. 35 Certified Emergency Volunteers
    9. 3,000+/- Spectators at Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park Parade Night
    10. 150+ Volunteer force the night of the parade (350+ throughout the year)
    11. 120 Board and Advisory Members
    12. 130+ Sponsors
    13. 3 Full-time Staff Members
    14. 2 Part-time Staff Members
    15. 1-3 Interns throughout the year              
  5. Partners with WSVN 7 and ABC-Miami to create a one-hour televised special that reaches audiences worldwide.
  6. Contributed over $600,000 in donations to auctions and fundraisers, supporting a wide range of local nonprofit organizations.
  7. Serves as a fundraising platform, helping charities raise millions, including one that earned over $1.4 million through Parade-related events.
  8. Helps nonprofits participate in the Parade, providing exposure to millions of spectators and creating unforgettable experiences for guests of organizations like the Freedom Waters Foundation and Florida Children’s Theatre.

WINTERFEST FOUNDATION

  1. The Winterfest Foundation supports students through laptops, scholarships, cash prizes, and art funding to enhance educational opportunities via the Student Art Contest. This contest is open to Broward County K-5 grade students (Public, Private or Homeschooled).
  2. Hosts a Junior Captain Program that annually highlights more than ten youth-focused nonprofit organizations.
  3. Community Impact: Strengthens community bonds, promotes local causes, inspires youth, and ensures the ongoing success of a beloved South Florida tradition.