From its humble beginnings in 1971, when 20 boaters adorned their crafts with holiday lights and decorations and launched their floating festivities, the annual Winterfest boat parade has grown into an internationally recognized tradition that draws close to 100 boats and 1 million spectators.
This year, it sets sail at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 10 and celebrates its 40th anniversary with the theme "Rockin' Boats and Holiday Floats."
Past grand marshals have included a list of local and national luminaries ranging across a variety of fields – sports stars Shaquille O'Neal and Dan Marino, TV stars Kim Kardashian and Jim Belushi, and rock stars Vanilla Ice and this year's grand marshal, former Bee Gee Barry Gibb.
The 12-mile parade route takes it east along the New River beginning at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts and Riverwalk, through downtown Fort Lauderdale, then north along the Intracoastal Waterway to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach.
Entries this year include the Winterfest 40th Anniversary Showboat presented by Patriot Insurance, WSVN "X Factor/American Idol" Showboat, Paul & Young Ron aboard Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza Showboat, Florida Marlins Showboat, UdderSweets Elf Brigade, Kid KJ Monster Truck Barge, Galleria Mall Reindeer Entry and the Baptist Health Santa Showboat.
Official, paid, viewing areas include spots next to the television cameras at the Riverside Hotel and grandstand seating at Hugh Taylor Birch State Park. The reserved seating at the park costs $22 for adults and $17 for children aged 10 and under. Walk-ins to the park can get in for $3. Both provide access to all the Family Fun Day activities, including music, food and sports activities such as Slap Shot Hockey Games, a Rock-Climbing Wall, and a Marlins pitching competition.
Recommended anchoring spots for folks who want to watch the parade from their own boat are at the New River Cut, south of the turn at Bahia Mar; on the northeast side of the Las Olas Bridge; on the southwest side of Sunrise Bridge; and in the western portion of Lake Santa Barbara, where the parade boats turn around for the journey home.
