Winterfest Boat Parade~A Water/Boat Festivus Parade Like No Other~In South Florida
Dec 08 '08
The Bottom Line Winterfest Boat Parade, what a sight for Christmas, Festivus, Hanukkah or any holiday!
With Christmas just around the corner I thought I would share one of my very favorite events which takes place in my Hometown to celebrate this most joyful of all holiday's for those who live nearby or who just might be traveling down here to the tropics over the course of the next week. (if not, there's always next year :).
Even though we have warm weather with no snow or ice, we Floridians do know how to make merry and put on a party...this unique event is one my family and I have enjoyed for many years and have seen it grow from a small festive occasion to the super grand celebratory event that it is today.
The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade
Only in South Florida could there be a night-time parade like this one. A flotilla of decorated boats and yachts, festooned with elaborate lights and holiday themes, of every size and shape, floating along the Intracoastal Waterway of Fort Lauderdale.
The Winterfest Boat Parade began back in 1971 and with each year grew bigger and better until now it is an event looked forward to and watched by more than a million spectators every year. People come from all over to see just what new sights they will see.
Owners of these boats begin preparing their vessels months in advance to the amazement and delight of all those who line up for hours in advance to see these sights.
The theme this year is "Rockin the Night Aweigh". There will be more than 100 boats traveling the 10 mile route on the water from Port Everglades to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach, as they make their way through the glistening night waters demonstrating their holiday spirit in their very own special tropical way.
These boats are of every size and shape to delight each and every person who views them. Some of the boats will feature celebrities from local musical groups to the big time...this year, Led Zeppelin will be on hand with their musical good cheer. For the sports fans, the Florida Panthers Ice Skating Rink will be floating by, maybe with a few skaters to entertain... most likely a few of the Panthers will be among them. Of course all the local dignitaries will be on hand along with some beauty queens who love to strut their stuff.
But, you don't have to be a big shot to enjoy this amazing Winterfest Boat Parade as there are miles of viewing spots along the way.
Or, if you are lucky enough to have use of a boat you can see this parade from the water itself.
Oh, and don't forget to look up at the spectacular fireworks display which will light up the sky to highlight the path of all the boats on parade. Every year the fireworks seem to get grander, a special visual treat is to see the reflection of those lights on the glistening water.
It's really a grand event and if you are here, in my hometown, the night the Winterfest Parade is happening it really is a special holiday tropical treat I recommend highly, one that won't soon be forgotten.
Hey, Santa might just be floating by on the waters with his little elves to the delight of all who are witness to this magical evening on these beautiful waterways of South Florida.
The Winterfest Parade takes place on December 13th this year
Viewing is free for those who stake out seats along the route but if you want grandstand seats in Birch State Park the price is $20 for adults, $15 for children 10 and under
The parade will begin in Downtown Ft. Lauderdale, right on the New River, near the Broward Center of Performing Arts....The boats will sail the waters starting at 6:30 P.M.
Other great vantage points are, of course, from other boats, but if you can't float along on your own vessel, there are incredible views from the many waterfront restaurants on the parade route, so it's a good idea to make your reservations early
This is my submission into coldsteel7's Hometown write-off to celebrate his nine years and 500 reviews...congratulations on both accomplishments!
.
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.