Winterfest® Transforms Fort Lauderdale’s Waterways to Shades Of Neon This Holiday Season

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The Holiday Tradition Continues December 10, 2022 – The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Boat Parade

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FORT LAUDERDALE, FL  — The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Boat Parade organizers announced the celebration of its’ 51st Parade will take place on Saturday, December 10, 2022, with the theme “Neon Nightlife Under the Sea.” The holiday signature event of South Florida will provide an unforgettable night of glowing lights, music, and fun for locals, tourists, and people of all ages.  The much-anticipated, ultimate 12-mile neon block-party promises to be a magical night.

Winterfest® has been a beloved holiday tradition since 1971 when it first sailed as an organized event through the “Venice of the Americas,” the nickname for Fort Lauderdale and its famous waterways. The Parade showcases national and local businesses, but also individuals, families, groups, and charities that decorate their boats in lights and become stars on a floating stage, all for the delight of their community. 

This time-honored tradition brings more than 1 million spectators along the natural backdrop of Broward County from Fort Lauderdale’s New River and Intracoastal Waterways to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach.

“We are looking forward to having the largest number of private entries in history. Boaters are already planning on how they will showcase their creative decorating talents. The Parade is a time for families and our community to celebrate together, whether they’re watching online from home, applauding from their balconies, or being cheered on while sailing through the Parade themselves.” noted Lisa Scott-Founds, President & CEO Winterfest®, Inc.

Winterfest® hosts a complete line up before the Parade:

Gray Robinson, P.A. Winterfest® Launch Party 

Date: Oct. 21, 7-10 p.m.

Location: Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa, 3030 Holiday Dr., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

Cost: An invitation only event. Tickets are included in sponsorship. 

Description: The Launch Party, hosted by Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa, will begin with the Robinson Jewelers Grand Entrance and feature delights from featured restaurant, Casa Calabria, and other top chefs’ choices from Andy’s Live Fire Grill, BK Lobster, Eddie V’s, Billy’s Stone Crabs, Mimi’s Ravioli, Piazza Italia, 3030 Ocean, Timpano, Sea Level and Fogo de Chao. Guests will be able to relax in the Neuvana Lounge with a cocktail from Republic National Distributing, Co.

Secrets of the Sea 

Date: Nov. 5, 7-10 p.m. 

Location: Casa de Palma – Private Residence

Cost: Limited tickets are available. $100 per person 

Description: Steve Savor opens his private mansion for this fun event, in conjunction with Fort Lauderdale Film Festival, and in association with The Umbrella Group.

Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Winterfest® Family Fun Day presented by Publix

Date: Nov. 20, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.

Location: Esplanade Park. 400 SW 2nd street Fort Lauderdale, Florida 33312

Cost: FREE 

Description: Fun for kids of all ages! Families will enjoy “The Polar Express,” face painting, food and beverage sampling, Pet Rescue Row, Stoked on Salt Conservation Village, photo opportunities with Santa, free giveaways, sampling by LaCroix, activities by Fifth Third Bank, South Florida Ford, Publix live entertainment and so much more.

Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Black Tie Ball Presented by Broward Health in association with Republic National Distributing Company

Date: Dec. 3, 6 p.m. till midnight

Location: Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood, Fl 33314

Cost: Tables of 10 start at $3,000.

Description: The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino will transform into explosion of excitement for this black-tie ball with entertainment sponsored by DEX Imaging, Welcome Reception by Hotwire Communications. Guests will enjoy special performances from the North American Tour of TINA, and the evening will be filled with a rich array of music from the 12-piece band “Private Stock.” Republic National Distributing, Co. will bring spirits and wines such as Chloe, Imagery, Tribute and 13 Celsius. Bid on amazing items in the Fidelity Investments silent auction.

Skipper’s Meeting 

Date: Dec. 6, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Location: Coral Ridge Yacht Club

Cost: Parade participants only. 

Description: In association with Frank & Jimmie’s Propeller, FB Marine Group, Chevron, and Marine Association of South Florida (MIASF). Parade captains will enjoy dinner following the mandatory meeting. Goodie bags will be provided to each boater with Chevron gift cards. 

Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Grand Marshal Reception Presented by University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center 

Date: Dec. 9, 6-9 p.m. 

Location: Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, 1 Seminole Way, Hollywood, Fl 33314

Cost: An invitation only event. Tickets are included in sponsorship. 

Description: The Reception will honor the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Boat Parade Grand Marshals, Jr. Captain, Child Ambassador, and celebrity guests.

Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Boat Parade

Date: Dec. 10, starting at 6:30 p.m. in downtown Fort Lauderdale

Location: 12-mile route commencing on the New River and traveling along Fort Lauderdale’s Intracoastal waterway to Pompano Beach

Cost: FREE

Description: Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Boat Parade will celebrate with the theme, “Neon Night Life Under the Sea.” A highly anticipated signature event of the holidays, the Parade can be viewed along the 12-mile route commencing in downtown Fort Lauderdale. This year’s Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Boat Parade will glow and sparkle with aquatic images, music and décor. The dazzling event will close out the year with floating stages of entertainment, Miss Florida USA, Miss Florida Teen USA, beauty queens, celebrities and starry-eyed spectators of all ages. Since its inception in 1971, Winterfest® has become a Florida tradition with national and international viewers. 

Sponsor entries include Kroger Delivery fireworks, Fifth Third Bank Grand Marshal Showboat featuring the host city, the City of Fort Lauderdale, showstopper entries sponsored by WSVN-FOX, FPL, TWO MEN AND A TRUCK, Republic National Distributing, Co., Aqua Flight, Blah Face, LLC, Ren – Fest on board Bluefoot Pirate Boat, H-PROOF, Santa on board Jungle Queen, Water Taxi, Floating Concert Entries, and more. Parade viewers will have the opportunity to vote for their favorite entry on the Winterfest® App.

VIP Viewing Area Presented by Holy Cross Health, Nova Southeastern University 

Date: Dec. 10, 5:30-8:30 p.m.

Location: Tunnel Top Park 

Cost: An invitation only event. Tickets are included in sponsorship. 

Description: Guests will experience an intimate view of the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Boat Parade. The most prestigious location to watch the Parade, close to 500 community leaders, dignitaries, and Winterfest® Sponsors will enjoy the ambiance and prestige of attending the private function between the Riverside Hotel and Stranahan House, directly located at the Parade start on the New River. This event includes great food from the Riverside Hotel and area restaurants, along with cocktail creations with Republic National Distributing, Co. products such as Fireball Whisky, Chloe and Tribute wines and sampling by LaCroix. The area is also host various media (thank you to Visit Lauderdale) and exclusive filming of the WSVN television show, and livestreaming. Votes will be cast in the Broward Mall Judges Area.

Baptist Health Parade Viewing Area presented by Florida Panthers

Date: Dec. 10, Gates open at 4 pm, Parade arrives at 7 pm, followed by a concert till 10:30 pm

Location: Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park — 80 Las Olas Cir., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316

Cost: $25 adults/$20 children 

Description: In association with the Beach Business Improvement District, and the Florida Panthers, spectators will experience a “Party in the Park” festival atmosphere at the Las Olas Intracoastal Promenade Park. Visitors will enjoy the Stella Artois Culinary Courtyard featuring Twin Peaks Restaurant, Coca-Cola, LaCroix, Stella Artois and food vendors. Sampling by Kroeger Delivery, Checker’s and Celsius. The area will host a variety of activities, South Florida Ford, photos with Santa, and live entertainment on the City of Fort Lauderdale stage with the Shane Duncan Band and Southern Blood. Parade commentary from Y100’s Drew, will be heard throughout the area.

Coming from out of town to see the Parade? Winterfest® has a variety of weekend hotel/ticket packages available at winterfestparade.com

Unable to come to Fort Lauderdale in December? No worries, the Parade will be available for viewing online. Winterfest® is once again teaming up with long time local community partner WSVN-TV Channel 7 to stream the Parade online. WSVN Channel 7 will also air the Winterfest® one-hour special to ensure no one is left out of the fun.

About Winterfest, Inc.

Winterfest® is a Florida not-for-profit organization based in Broward County that produces a variety of events including the free public event known as the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Boat Parade – “The World’s Most Watched Boat Parade.” On a typical year, more than one million spectators view the Parade along the 12-mile route, with millions more via television and the internet, bringing national and international recognition to South Florida. Winterfest® also hosts a variety of annual events to enhance the community’s image and provide unique, wholesome family entertainment. For more information, visit us online at winterfestparade.com, call 954-767-0686 or follow us: Facebook: winterfest.parade, Instagram: WinterfestInc. Join the conversation: #WinterfestFL

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