2023

Winterfest 2023

“Reflections Afloat”

2023 Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade Theme "Reflections Afloat"

For the first time in history, The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade, scheduled for Saturday, December 16, 2023, was canceled due to unprecedented weather conditions, including heavy winds and unsafe boating conditions. All other highly anticipated Winterfest events and activities took place as planned.

Read the Statement

The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade, scheduled for Saturday, December 16, 2023, has been canceled due to unprecedented weather conditions, including heavy winds and unsafe boating conditions. The decision to cancel the event was made under the guidance and advisement of the United States Coast Guard, Fort Lauderdale Marine Patrol, Fort Lauderdale Fire Department, and other relevant agencies.

The safety and well-being of our participants and spectators are of utmost importance to us. The inclement weather conditions, beyond our control, make it impossible to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone involved.

We understand the disappointment this may cause and apologize for any inconvenience. We appreciate the support and understanding of those looking forward to the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade.

While this year’s parade had promising plans and breathtaking decorations from the boaters, our focus is already on next year’s event, aiming to surpass expectations. Drawing attendees from across the globe, The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade stands as a beloved highlight and cherished gem of South Florida, and our commitment remains steadfast in offering a year-round calendar of events and entertainment that captivates audiences worldwide. 

WSVN will produce and air a television special featuring all our 2023 events, which includes boats from previous parades, on Friday, December 22, 2023, at 7:00 PM. The show will also proudly drive engaging initiatives like our student art contest. We remain committed to providing a memorable and enjoyable experience for our community and will continue our unwavering dedication to marine safety and projects that support our veterans. 

The scope of the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade has many moving parts hence the difficulty to reschedule. The magnitude of planning is immense, including permitting and coordination with multiple agencies to manage bridges locked up, docks vacated for staging, and other logistics for overall safety. It took us months to orchestrate this event and all its moving pieces.  This event is more complex to pivot and effectively plan safely within a few days.

For further information and updates, please visit our Winterfestparade.com website or contact 954.767.0686

THE PEOPLE OF WINTERFEST

GRAND MARSHALS

The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade is proud to host the Best Selling R&B Group of All Time, quadruple Grammy Winning Boyz II Men as our Grand Marshals for 2023.

2023 Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade Grand Marshals Boyz II Men
2023 Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade Grand Marshals Boyz II Men on stage
COMMODORE

David Boothe

BELLE OF THE BALL

Karla Nelson-Thatcher

Executive Board Member Karla Nelson Thatcher
2023 Belle of the Ball Karla Nelson-Thatcher and Commodore David Boothe
2023 Belle of the Ball Karla Nelson-Thatcher and Commodore David Boothe
JR. CAPTAIN of the PARADE

Ben Ayalon

2023 Jr. Captain Ben Ayalon
POSTER ARTIST

Laura Elmore – 954Design

2023 Poster Artist Laura Brill Elmore
2023 Winterfest Painting REFLECTION by poster artist Laura Elmore
2023 Winterfest Painting REFLECTION by poster artist Laura Elmore
MERCHANDISE ARTIST

Dennis Friel – Connected by Water

ORNAMENT DESIGNER

Pat Anderson

Boat Parade Chairman: Britt Lanier

Parade Enhancement: Jimmie Harrison

Ball Chairs: Susan Renneisen and Kathryn Salerno

Parade Viewing Area Chairman: David Greenberger

Parade Viewing Area Volunteer Coordinator: Austen Read

Control Boat Chair: Dave Plotnik

Ham Operator Co-Chairs: Carol Sjursen and Jeff Stahl

Dock Walker Chair: Michael Keleher

VIP Area: Lisa Duke

Carolyn McLaughlin Volunteer Spirits Award Winner:  To Be Announced

Launch Party Chair: Alyssa Lovitt

Chairman of the Board: Bill Walker

President/CEO: Lisa Scott-Founds

BOARD/ADVISORY COMMITTEE CHAIRS
  • Governance: Robyn Vines / Johnny Williams
  • Community Outreach: Alice Harry
  • Future Vision: Ben Wesley
  • Winterfest Foundation: Gerry Angeli (winterfestfoundation.org)
THE 2023 BOAT PARADE JUDGES

2023 Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade Judges – To Be Announced – Broward, Palm Beaches & St. Lucie REALTOR®, Dean Trantalis – Mayor, City of Fort Lauderdale, Rear Admiral Douglas M. Schofield – United States Coast Guard – Sector 7, Stacy Ritter – President & CEO, Visit Lauderdale, To Be Announced – Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, To Be Announced – iHeart Media

NEW & NOTABLE

Winterfest Inc., producers of the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade, winner of
Six Florida Festivals & Events SUNsational Awards

2023 Winner SunSational Award
2023 Winner SunSational Award

Read the Press Release (.docx)

2023 Winterfest Brochure cover
Download the 2023 Winterfest Brochure
2023 Winterfest Newsletter cover
Download the 2023 Winterfest Newsletter
2023 Sponsorship Ad and Event Timeline
GoRiverwalk Magazine November 2023 Cover featuring the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade
GoRiverwalk Magazine November 2023 Cover featuring the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade
Las Olas Boulevard & Isles Magazine cover for November, 2023. Special Holiday Issue featuring the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade
Las Olas Boulevard & Isles Magazine November, 2023 Cover. Special Holiday Issue featuring the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade
2023 Promotional Poster with Event Dates and Descriptions, Laura Brill Elmore Parade Poster and Sponsor Logos
2023 Promotional Poster with Event Dates and Descriptions, Laura Brill Elmore Parade Poster and Sponsor Logos
First Posted on
Latest Update on