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 – 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
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
