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December 2024 by Deanna Whipp
$44 general admission got you nothing! This year was awful. One set of bleachers was facing a cove off the intracoastal, one was behind a small building with a spotlight shining directly into the bleachers and the third was facing the intracoastal with a fence blocking the view. There was one bar, two sets of restrooms and a few food trucks. It was a total rip off. Don’t waste your money! Watch it from the bridge, on top of the $20 parking garage or side of the intracoastal.
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March 2023 by Silvana Friedel
Amazing!
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December 2022 by Corey Pearce
This is the biggest waste. The way the police, local businesses and participants act I’m embarrassed to say I’m a local resident.I watched a family with 3 children under 7 years old get yelled at by the police in Lauderdale by the sea for standing in a parking lot to watch the boats go by.Seems no one here understands the meaning of “ Christmas spirit “ the business manager told the parents they could stay for a few even though the parking lot was empty. This was very disgusting to watch.
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August 2022 by Staying Afloat Party Boat
The Winterfest Boat Parade is AMAZING!!! Every year, 100+ boats cruise the waterways of Fort Lauderdale and the whole city comes out to celebrate. We have put boats in the parade for 3 years and it is an incredible time. Well organized, safety is priority, and the light show is spectacular. We love that the community comes together to display its best traits, boats and water views. I would highly recommend going to see the show from one of the grand stands, or if possible, entering a boat.
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December 2021 by Bill Feinberg
Love being a part of Winterfest and representing our community in the 9th largest parade in the US and the #1 parade on the H2O. There are more than 70 individual community partners that serve on the board of Winterfest, who all have a stake in our South Florida business community, with a commitment to make our city the Best city it can be for both young and old. And although the boat parade is just one night out of the year, We all have a "pay it forward" attitude and recently formed the Winterfest Foundation, where every member contributes money to help others less fortunate and to make a difference within the city we all love. Celebrate our 50th anniversary with us this year and join in all the fun festivities we have year round. Fort Lauderdale... The Venice of America ! And the Greatest city to Live..Work...Play & Invest in. #Winterfest. #GreatestShowonH2o.
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December 2021 by Tiffany Jenkins
Lived it. Worth the trip.Christmas boat parades are great events for all.
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December 2021 by Amanda B
Best boat parade in the nation! There’s a reason Fort Lauderdale is called “Venice of America”, Winterfest captures the true beauty of Fort Lauderdale during the holiday season. There is fun for all ages. Can’t wait to make it an ongoing tradition.
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September 2021 by Ed Strobel
WOW... Living in SFL without the snow and seasons change can be tough to get into the Christmas spirit but thanks to Winterfest and the Boat parade it is a whole lot easier. 35 years of watching and participating in the parade makes the holiday season come alive and it is an event that is not to be missed and yes... it is also a FREE event that can be seen anywhere on the river and ICWW. If you want a PERFECT seat then some bars, restaurants do offer premier seating but standing on the riverwalk or a bridge can also be amazing. This year is the 50th anniversary so I expect the parade to be EPIC as usual!!
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August 2021 by Christie Harrison
I love the winter fest parade!!! Always something to look forward to during the holidays!
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August 2021 by Ryan Campbell
Spectacular family event for all generations to enjoy. Best places to view are by boat, downtown Las Olas, house gathering or Winterfest Grandstands. Your out of town guests are sure to be WOW'd!
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August 2021 by Amanda C
Best boat parade in the nation! There’s a reason Fort Lauderdale is called “Venice of America”, Winterfest captures the true beauty of Fort Lauderdale during the holiday season. There is fun for all ages. Can’t wait to make it an ongoing tradition.
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August 2021 by BlueTruckTV
Planning a vacation in South Florida?! I live in Fort Lauderdale and here's my recommendation. Come in early December when the weather is amazing and attend this must-see event of the season! The Seminole Hardrock Winterfest Boat Parade is the largest boat parade in the country. Think Macy's Day Parade on the water! Family friendly. Many ways to watch - on land or by boat. Tip: Book a room at the Historic Riverside Hotel on Las Olas Boulevard, and while you're in town make sure to book a Watertaxi Tour.
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August 2021 by Ted Morley
Great tradition and tons of fun to watch, and even more fun to be a part of it! We have proudly participated in the boat parade and supported local charities also. What a great way to celebrate the holidays and bring some joy to people!
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August 2021 by Kristin K
I moved to Fort Lauderdale in 2012 and attended my first boat parade and was blown away! (I used to watch the boat parade in Texas on the lake. This is not the same!) The Winterfest Boat Parade is a boat parade on steroids and the highlight of the year. Highly recommend this signature event! Not to mention, it's free to the public. If you're a boater, definitely consider entering the parade (entry fees are minimal) for a great community experience.
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August 2021 by Renee K. Quinn
For more than two decades, Winterfest has been a part of my life. From watching my very first parade (1979) to joining the Board of Directors (2007), Winterfest is about community. It kicks off our tropical holiday season every year, and I look forward to celebrating with friends and family. This event series, executed by three awesome staff members, brings everyone together from the corporate side, to our community and the boating world. By land or by sea everyone can participate. This year marks 50 Years of Hard Rockin’ Fun… Winterfest 2021. Join the fun, it truly is the best show on H20.
