South Florida prepares for annual Winterfest Boat Parade, officials announce host
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (WSVN) -- The Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino's annual Winterfest Boat Parade is getting ready to kick off with Jim Belushi as their new grand marshal.
Winterfest officials announced this year's grand marshal in the greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau. "We know that he is going to be greeting millions of people on the shore and just having the most fun out there, so with his personality, there's nobody better for a year like this when we're rocking the night away," said Winterfest President/CEO Lisa Scott-Founds.
Millions of people line the Intracoastal every year for South Florida's version of a winter wonderland. "In all of South Florida, Winterfest gives us the opportunity to show the rest of the world how we celebrate winter. There's no better way to do it than on a boat on the Intracoastal," said Nicki Grossman, President of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau.
Last year's parade was a success with about 100 boats and millions of spectators who lined the shore and celebrated a winter holiday the South Florida way. Officials said this year's parade definitely sounds like a hit. "It is the largest day, live spectator event in South Florida, and it is great to have it here in Broward County," Scott-Founds said.
Seven News is a proud sponsor of the now 37-year-old holiday tradition, which is set to kick off Dec. 13, and boaters are wasting no time to reserve their spot. "We already have 44 boats registered, so we know it is going to be a dynamic year," said Scott-Founds. "The route is set to begin in Downtown Fort Lauderdale and that is going to add a different dimension."
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