Winterfest Boat Parade

Written By: Gail Clifford | Published By: Weekend Notes

https://www.weekendnotes.com/winterfest-boat-parade/

Event: 10/12/2022

During the holiday season, in the yachting capital of America, what better way to celebrate winter than a boat parade? This year, the 51st Winterfest held in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, with a nearly two-hour boat parade and almost 100 decorated vessels participating, started along the New River before proceeding to the Intracoastal Waterway.

Hosted by Visit Fort Lauderdale, Hilton Fort Lauderdale Marina, the Stranahan House, and Winterfest Communities, I was fortunate to attend the VIP event on December 10th. It’s traditionally a middle weekend in December, so plan your schedule and book your hotel now for next year. The event is scheduled for 16 December 2023.

It was my first visit to Stranahan House and to experience the cuisine of many Fort Lauderdale chefs who catered the VIP event. The private entry to the Stranahan House, a lovely heritage home museum built by Fort Lauderdale pioneers Frank and Ivy Stranahan. Built as a trading post and community center in 1901 and later the Stranahans’ residence, it is the oldest surviving structure in Broward County. Frank made his fortune as trading postmaster and entrepreneur while Ivy, who’d retired from teaching when she married, became an activist for Seminole Indian children’s education and a civic leader until her death in 1971.

This night, a large white party tent packed with tables and chairs for our dining pleasure with an adjacent tent holding approximately 15 restauranteurs and their staff with dishes ranging from ceviche to homemade meatballs, hummus, and fresh pita chips, and so many concoctions of seafood, that seafood lovers were in their element. Four bars scattered through the property confirmed the libations line was never too long.

The Mayor of Fort Lauderdale, Dean Trantalis, acted as one of the judges this evening, giving Interviews with media on site. A lovely gentleman, I heard him declare it was time to (safely) celebrate all that had been accomplished as we were finally able to reconvene following the pandemic.

It was time for the show to begin… multi-colored boats clustered around the bend of the New River. Perched near a dock piling, for this waterfront viewing area just steps from the judges’ table, we were perfectly positioned to enjoy each boat as she passed, port side decorations for our viewing pleasure.

Since it was dark with a nearly full moon, I placed my mirrorless camera on top of that cement post to give it better stabilization without tripod. A lady nearby commented, “smart idea,” and we struck up a conversation. It wasn’t a great surprise to learn that Wendy Leibowitz works on the committee that helped put this wonderful parade together and she introduced me to other committee members in attendance, including the Chairman.