Sunday, December 15, 2013

Winterfest Parade in Fort Lauderdale

Yesterday was one of the big days in Fort Lauderdale. Each year the City and the Hard Rock Hotel organize the big Winterfest Boat Parade. This is a well-known event and many spectators were looking along the Intracoastal Waterway in the mild evening breeze.

When you are here in Fort Lauderdale on a visit next year in December mark your calendar with this event. It is terrific even if you have been there several times. It is also a good idea to get familiar with the best viewing spots because the ticket are going quickly.

In case you did not get a ticket for this event, the best way is to find a little park or little green spots along the parade route. Another option is to find a friend with a boat or use a dinner cruise for this event. These boats anchor on the Waterway in designated areas while the parade boats are passing by.

The parade starts on the New River where the north and south fork comes together and follows the New River through the downtown area towards the Intracoastal Waterway. From there the route turns north and the end is the Santa Barbara Lake where the ships turn and go back.

Such a Winterfest Parade in Fort Lauderdale has more than 50 illuminated Boats with many Christmas and Holiday motives. These boats are often sponsored by Fort Lauderdale businesses but private boater can participate with their boats for a small starting fee.