Winterfest VIP Viewing Party
SPONSOR: Holy Cross Health
The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Boat Parade makes its “Official Start” at one of Fort Lauderdale’s most iconic locations – Tunnel Top Park, overlooking the historic Stranahan House and Riverside Hotel. More than 500 community leaders and sponsors will gather to enjoy an unforgettable evening filled with elegance, energy, and excitement.
Guests will sip cocktails and savor culinary creations from a variety of local restaurants, while mingling with Parade judges, WSVN’s television crew, and fellow supporters of this cherished community tradition.
A special thank you to Holy Cross Health for their continued support in making this exclusive experience possible. This is a sponsor-only event, offering unparalleled views of the Parade, premium hospitality, and a front-row seat to all the action in the Judging Area. Join the Winterfest® family of sponsors and be part of the magic where the Parade begins!
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.
2025 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 40th 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
Debbie Danto, 2025 Chair of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce
As the COO of Danto Builders, Debbie Danto has played a pivotal role in growing Danto Builders in South Florida through building relationships with clients and the community, persistence and relentless attention to detail. Her and her husband’s, Craig Danto, industry expertise spans commercial, aviation, hospitality, healthcare, multifamily, retail government and industrial projects, always with a focus on quality and integrity. Her leadership at Danto Builders has helped many businesses and organizations bring their visions to life. Read more…
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Debbie has been an active and passionate advocate for local businesses, economic growth, workforce development and heart health. Her involvement with the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce has been instrumental in fostering collaboration among industries and enhancing opportunities for entrepreneurs and business leaders in the region.
Jonathan Lickstein, President of Broward, Palm Beaches & St. Lucie REALTOR®
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
What can I do while I’m in town for Winterfest? Click Here
Click here for our Ticket Policy
When you attend Winterfest events, you consent to the possibility of interview(s), photography, audio recording, video recording and its/their release, publication, exhibition, or reproduction to be used for news, web casts, promotional purposes, telecasts, advertising, being included on websites, social media, or any other purpose by Winterfest, Inc./Winterfest Foundation and its affiliates, media partners and representatives of the event. Images, photos and/or videos may be used to promote similar events in the future, highlight the event and exhibit the capabilities of the event representatives and this website. You understand that you will not receive compensation for the use of these materials. Since many of the Winterfest, Inc. / Winterfest Foundation events are family-oriented, this agreement extends to children attending. You release Winterfest, Inc./Winterfest Foundation, the event representatives, its officers and employees, and each and all persons involved from any liability connected with the taking, recording, digitizing, or publication and use of interviews, photographs, computer images, video and/or sound recordings.