South Floridians know the holidays are here with the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade on December 15. This year, the Parade goes back in time with 80s icon Huey Lewis as Grand Marshal.
Fort Lauderdale’s waterways will tranform into an illuminating floating stage starting at 6:30 p.m. along the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale. The Parade will travel 12 miles north on the Intracoastal to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach.
What to Wear
This year’s theme makes the Parade the perfect time to bring out your boom box, grab a neon tee and tease those feathered bangs. Don’t forget your leg warmers, parachute pants or stretch stirrups either.
What to See
Grand Marshal Huey Lewis will be on the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Grand Marshal Showboat, and keep your eyes open for all 80s-themed boats like the Winterfest MTV Barge and two LightF/X barges with the Shane Duncan All Access Band and Erotic Exotic Band.
Other highlights include a fireworks barge, a live nativity scene, pirate ship and the Winterfest Remembers 17 Angels #MSDStrong yacht.
Where to Watch
The Grandstand Viewing Area powered by Ford is one of the best spots to see the parade on land with reserved and assigned seats. Located in Hugh Taylor Birch State Park, the Grandstand offers views of live entertainment by the Big City Dogs, iHeart Media commentary, kid activities, Stella Artois Culinary Courtyard and a variety of other vendors.
You can save $5 per adult on Grandstand tickets by visiting select Publix locations. It’s also possible to purchase tickets by visiting select Crown Wine & Spirits locations, Total Wine & More, Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood or online at winterfestparade.com.
What You Can Win
Download the Winterfest App on for iPhone or android, vote, and you’ll be entered for a chance to win round trip travel on Southwest Airlines. The app allows you to track the parade, keep tabs on Santa, upload photos and get Parade updates.
Want to win tickets? Upload a Selfie using #WinterfestFL18 with the Winterfest Wrapped JM Lexus SUV for a chance to win tickets to the Parade. The car is wrapped with this year’s poster art created by Raquel Cordon and is on tour in Downtown Fort Lauderdale.
Want to reserve your Grandstand seats? Visit the Winterfest Parade website to purchase tickets, see full contests rules and more. If you would like to enter your boat in the parade, apply here.
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