Winterfest 50th Anniversary Shout Out on Boat Boss

Thank you, Kim Sweers, for welcoming me to the helm of Boat Boss. Great platform to promote the 50th-anniversary celebration of Winterfest. Be a part of all the events leading up to the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade on 12.11.21.

Kim Sweers and Lisa Scott-Founds on Boat Boss

The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade Publishes Dates for the Next Six Years – 2023 to 2028

Now everyone can plan their vacations early around Winterfest. The 52nd Annual Holiday Parade continues to encourage boaters and spectators to join their celebrations year after year. The website has added details for their 2023 events as well as a separate post listing the Parade dates from 2023 to 2028.

Mark your calendars for DECEMBER 16, 2023 with the Parade starting in the Downtown Area at 6:30 PM with a pre-show of non-motorized vessels at 6:00 p.m. The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade will stage on the New River in downtown Fort Lauderdale, along the docks west of Stranahan House to the Broward Center for the Performing Arts.

The Parade starts in true procession at Stranahan House, traveling East along the New River in Fort Lauderdale to the Intracoastal Waterway and continues North to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach. It’s 12 Miles of the “Best Show on H20.” The Parade takes approximately 2 and 1/2 hours to view from one location (starting locations stagger as you travel north).

Private boats, giant showboats, and corporate megayachts will be adorned with hundreds of thousands of lights, music, entertainment, decorations, celebrities, musical groups, beauty queens, and many other exciting entries expected to be viewed by over one million spectators. A variety of hotel packages with Parade viewing are also listed on the site.

THE PARADES FOR 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026, 2027 and 2028

  • DECEMBER 16, 2023
  • DECEMBER 14, 2024
  • DECEMBER 13, 2025
  • DECEMBER 12, 2026
  • DECEMBER 11, 2027
  • DECEMBER 9, 2028

Parade dates may change without notice – please check this page

Santa Showboat delivered by Amazon to Wow Parade Spectators for the Second Year in a Row

Winterfest, Inc., producers of the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade, recently secured Fabulous Inflatables and Brandano Displays to design the Santa Showboat for the second year in a row. This Parade entry will host Santa Claus during his quick visit to South Florida and the City of Fort Lauderdale on December 16, 2023. The Santa Showboat, delivered by Amazon, will also host nominees from the Winterfest Foundation Jr. Captain Contest. These children, ages 7-16, represent the services of nonprofit organizations in Broward County. Download our app for a complete list of all 100 entries in Winterfest.

For information on how your Broward County non-profit organization can nominate a child, visit winterfestfoundation.org and scroll down the Jr. Captain section to nominate.

Santa Showboat Delivered By Amazon on board Jungle Queen, boat number 100 in the 2022 Winterfest Boat Parade

Look for more Parade highlights in this Captain’s Log, including our floating concert entry. winterfestparade.com

2022 WSVN Television Links

Links to the 2022 Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Television Special along with Commercials and News Stories.

2022 Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Television Special

2022 Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Television Special produced by WSVN Channel 7

2022 Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Vignettes

2022 Winterfest Launch Party at the Fort Lauderdale Harbor Beach Marriott
2022 Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Black Tie Ball – produced and hosted by the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino with Republic National Distributing Company, Hotwire Communications, and DEX Imaging
2022 Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Grand Marshal Reception – produced and hosted by the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino with Sylvester Cancer Center
Family Fun Day with Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital and Publix Super Markets AND Parade Viewing Area presented by Baptist Health

2022 Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Television Commercials

2022 Parade Viewing Area Commercial
2022 Television Show Promotion Commercial
Enter Your Boat in the 2022 Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade

A sample of 2022 WSVN News Links:

https://wsvn.com/news/local/broward/final-preparations-made-for-seminole-hard-rock-casino-winterfest-boat-parade/

7News previews Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade – WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports | Fort Lauderdale

https://wsvn.com/entertainment/floating-tiki-bright-holiday-decorations-delight-spectators-as-51st-winterfest-boat-parade-lights-up-new-river/

Winterfest grand marshals announced – WSVN 7News | Miami News, Weather, Sports | Fort Lauderdale

2022 Radio Spots with iHeart Media

ENTER YOUR BOAT

One of Four ENTER YOUR BOAT 2022 Radio Spots: 30 Seconds
Two of Four ENTER YOUR BOAT 2022 Radio Spots: 15 Seconds
Three of Four ENTER YOUR BOAT 2022 Radio Spots: 15 Seconds
Three of Four ENTER YOUR BOAT / CAPTAINS MEETING 2022 Radio Spots: 15 Seconds

BLACK TIE BALL

BLACK TIE BALL Radio Spot: 15 Seconds

GRAND MARSHALS

GRAND MARSHALS / PARADE Radio Spot: 30 Seconds

TELEVISION SHOW

WSVN Parade Special Radio Spot: 30 Seconds

2022 WINTERFEST WIN A WEEKEND (out of area markets)

Win A Weekend Radio Spot: 30 Seconds

2022 ENTER TO WIN BORA BORA EXPERIENCE (local market)

2022 Enter to Win Bora Bora Experience Radio Spot: 15 Seconds

2021 Winterfest Parade Winners

PARADE DATE: DECEMBER 11, 2021

Look for updates on Special Awards and Remember to VOTE EVERY DAY for the People’s Choice Award

SPECIAL AWARDS INCLUDE: ROOKIE AWARD, PASSIONATE FOR PARADES AWARD (in more than one Parade – based on boaters entering the Pompano Parade), BOB LEIDER AWARD – Best in Television, KAYE PEARSON AWARD – Spirit of Innovation, BEACON LIGHTS AWARDS – Use of Moving Lights, ADMIRAL AWARD – Spirit and Enthusiasm, JOE MILLSAPS AWARD – Military Spirit, and PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD.

#BOAT ENTRYCATEGORYAWARDSPECIAL AWARD
DROMANTIC VENICEPRESHOWOVERALL 
GMOORE PADDLEBOARDERSPRESHOWLIGHTS 
HSOUTH FLORIDA KAYAK MEET-UP    PRESHOWENTERTAINMENTPASSIONATE FOR PARADES
1U.S. COAST GUARD 45GOVERNMENT PASSIONATE FOR PARADES
1U.S. COAST GUARD CUTTER HUDSONGOVERNMENTOVERALL 
2WINTERFEST FIREWORKS PRESENTED BY FORDBARGEOVERALL 
3FORT LAUDERDALE FIRE BOAT 49GOVERNMENT LIGHTS 
4SEMINOLE HARD ROCK WINTERFEST GRAND MARSHAL SHOWBOAT PRESENTED BY FIFTH THIRD BANKSHOWBOATTHEME 
5MARINE INDUSTRIES ASSOCIATION ON BOARD SUMMERWINDCHARTER 60+  
6REPUBLIC NATIONAL DISTRIBUTING COMPANY ON BOARD CATALINASHOWBOATENTERTAINMENT 
7AARP CELEBRATES 50 YEARS OF WINTERFEST ON BOARD BALLYHOOBARGELIGHTS 
8ADVANCED ROOFING ON BOARD MILLIECOMMERCIAL 35-59OVERALLPASSIONATE FOR PARADES
9MOBILE MIKE ON BOARD REFLECTIONCOMMERCIAL 60+  
10THE BEATLES ON BOARD WATER TAXICHARTER 20-59THEME 
11WE WILL ROCK YOU ON BOARD WET DREAMPRIVATE 35-59THEME 
12THE ICE CREAM FLOATCOMMERCIAL 20-34LIGHTS 
13BISCAYNE BAY FOUNDATIONNON-PROFIT 20-34LIGHTS 
14NSU STUDENT VETERANS ON BOARD STARMARKERCOMMERCIAL 35-59  JOE MILLSAPS AWARD
15THE PARIS PRINCESSPRIVATE UNDER 20OVERALL 
16FELICITYPRIVATE 20-34LIGHTS 
17KARMA BROWARD ON MIDNIGHT EXPRESSCOMMERCIAL 35-59LIGHTS 
18JR. CAPTAIN SHOWBOAT POWERED BY FPL & TWO MEN AND A TRUCKSHOWBOATOVERALL 
19WELLINGTON CONSERVATION CENTER ON BOARD MUSETTECHARTER 60+  
20BALLYHOOBARGETHEME 
21MR BOBBPRIVATE 60 – 79OVERALL PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD
22WSVN ON BOARD THE VENETIAN LADYSHOWBOATLIGHTS 
23CELSIUS ON BOARD CAPRICECHARTER 60+LIGHTS 
24THE ROCKPRIVATE 20-34  
25KEY LARGONON-PROFIT 20-34OVERALL 
2826′ SAILFISHPRIVATE 20-34THEME
29POSEIDON MARINECOMMERCIAL 20-34LIGHTS 
30AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION’S TURQUOISE TAKEOVERNON-PROFIT 35-59  
31SEA SCOUTS ON BOARD SHAKE A LEG MIAMISAILBOATLIGHTS 
32DUNN DEALPRIVATE 20-34  ROOKIE
33TOY SOLDIERS ON BOARD OTTERSAILBOATENTERTAINMENT 
34WAR EAGLENON-PROFIT 35-59ENTERTAINMENT 
35NAVIGATORSAILBOAT 20-34OVERALL 
36SAVOIR-FAIREPRIVATE 80+OVERALL 
37THE FINE EXPERIENCENON-PROFIT 60+ LIGHTSPASSIONATE FOR PARADES
38TWIN PEAKS ON BOARD SUNDREAMCHARTER 60+  
39KNOT ON CALLPRIVATE 20-34  
42NAUTI PILOTPRIVATE 35-59LIGHTSPASSIONATE FOR PARADES
43REEL BUSYPRIVATE 20-34  
44SAILS CALLPRIVATE 35-59  
45KAMA SUTURE PRIVATE 20-34 ROOKIE
47SLIP N’ FALL STEVEPRIVATE 20-34  
48 FPI SECURITY SERVICES ON BOARD THE SOUTH FLORIDA PRINCESSCHARTER 60+  
49CRUISIN’ TIKISCHARTER 20-59OVERALL 
5050TH ANNIVERSARY OF WINTERFESTCHARTER 60+ENTERTAINMENT 
51SEA TOW & THE 12 DINGHIES OF CHRISTMASCOMMERCIAL 20-34OVERALLPASSIONATE FOR PARADES
52SEXY FISHPRIVATE 60-79THEME 
53MAGIC MOMENTCOMMERCIAL 60+OVERALLPASSIONATE FOR PARADES
54FLOCKFEST ON BOARD RUBBERDUCKNON-PROFIT 60+OVERALL 
55RISQUE CALCULEPRIVATE 35-59  
57UNDER THE SEA ON BOARD WATER TAXICHARTER 60+OVERALL
58WINTERFEST PATRIOTIC RED, WHITE & BLUE ON BOARD WATER TAXISHOWBOATSOUND 
60MISS DIRECTIONPRIVATE 80+SOUND 
61BROWARD COLLEGE ON BOARD WATER TAXICOMMERCIAL 35-59  
62BLUEFOOT PIRATES WITH THE FLORIDA RENAISSANCE FESTIVALCHARTER 20-59SOUND 
63DA PLUG PROMOTIONPRIVATE 20-34  
64MISS NICOLEPRIVATE 35-59OVERALL 
65NEGRONI LAW GROUP ONBOARD NO PHOTOS PLEASECOMMERCIAL 35-59  
66ISLAND TIMECHARTER 20-59LIGHTS 
67ESPE FOUNDATION ON BOARD EPICNON-PROFIT 35-59LIGHTS 
68DINING DIVAS ON BOARD COLLEEN MARIECOMMERCIAL 35-59  
69LA SIRENEPRIVATE 35-59LIGHTS 
70EL LADRILLO IIIPRIVATE 80+LIGHTSBOB LEIDER – Best in Television
71DON’T STOP BELIEVIN’PRIVATE 60-79SOUND 
72M/Y DISCOPRIVATE 35-59  
73CHABAD LUBAVITCH OF FT LAUDERDALE ON BOARD FLAMINGONON-PROFIT 60+ENTERTAINMENT 
74MSP RECOVERY ON BOARD NAMASTEPRIVATE 80+ KAYE PEARSON AWARD – Spirit of Innovation
75TURNAROUNDPRIVATE 35-59SOUNDPASSIONATE FOR PARADES (Boca)
76REEL ESTATEPRIVATE 35-59 
77AQUARIUSPRIVATE 20-34  
78REY OF SUNSHINECOMMERCIAL 35-59  
79REEL SURVIVORPRIVATE 35-59 
80LOVE SHACKCHARTER 20-59ENTERTAINMENT
82PADDLE PUBCOMMERCIAL 35-59  
83RENAND FOUNDATION ONBOARD SOARNON-PROFIT 35-59ENTERTAINMENT 
84MISS ADVENTUREPRIVATE 20-34 
85OMEGA PSI PHI ON BOARD THE GRAND PRINCESSCHARTER 60+  
86CLOSING TIMEPRIVATE 20-34LIGHTS 
87M/Y SQUAD HOUSECOMMERCIAL 35-59 
88SEAVORCEPRIVATE 20-34  
89MARINE TOYS FOR TOTS ON BOARD STAY AFLOAT PARTY BOATNON-PROFIT 35-59LIGHTS 
90BELLA CANDELAPRIVATE 20-34 ROOKIE
91BRANDON’S BOATPRIVATE 20-34THEME 
92BOTTOM FEEDERPRIVATE 20-34  
93PERFECT LIFEPRIVATE 35-59 ROOKIE
96FLORIDA CHILDREN’S THEATER ON BOARD BLACK PEARLNON-PROFIT 35-59OVERALL
97CATHOLIC HEALTH SERVICES LIVE NATIVITY ON BOARD WATER TAXINON-PROFIT 60+LIGHTS 
98NONPROFITS & RED CROSS ON BOARD UNEXPECTED PLEASURESAILBOAT 60+OVERALL 
99MISS PONTOONCHARTER 20-59 ADMIRAL AWARD – SPIRIT & ENTHUSIASM
100WEST MARINE BRINGS SANTA ON BOARD JUNGLE QUEENCHARTER 60+THEME 

Have You Met… December 2021

Winterfest is proud to highlight a few of the people that are behind the scenes of the “Best Show on H20”

Renée Korbel Quinn & Shane Strum

Renée Korbel Quinn

Renée Korbel Quinn headshot

BOARD MEMBER and 2021 BELLE OF THE BALL

Name: Renée Korbel Quinn

Company: QuinnProQuo Strategies & Communication

A South Florida resident since 1969, Renée Korbel Quinn transitioned from a successful 32 year private banking/wealth management career to founder of QuinnProQuo Strategies + Communication. She incorporates her valuable experiences into growing her clients’ businesses, connecting and creating opportunities for both for-profit and not-for-profit organizations, and promoting partnerships between the two. Specialties include business and marketing strategies, relationship management, partnerships, connectivity and community advocacy.

In 2015 Quinn founded the QPQ venture Spirited South Florida, where she curates the best in hospitality, serving up the latest trends in culinary, cocktails and craft beers and the intriguing experiences to match. As @SpiritedSFL on Instagram and Clubhouse, she brings together an international audience of over 60,000 followers. Quinn is a nationally published writer and featured columnist for Food & Beverage’s PR%F, The Magazine. Locally, she is the Savor editor and part of the dynamic writing team creating unique content for Go Riverwalk Magazine’s #BITES+SIPS print column.

Quinn has successfully created and continues to strategize programs that have raised over $7,000,000.00+ for local community organizations. Highlighted @SpiritedSFL created charitable experiences include Bourbon Hopscotch, Real Men Drink Pink, CocktailRs for a Cause, Spirited Women United and Winterfest Lounge & Learn.

Renée has been actively involved with Winterfest, Inc. since 1998 and has been a secretary/executive board member and board member since 2007. Winterfest awards include Life Preserver, Social Butterfly, Spinnaker and now, for 2021, Belle of the Ball!

Shane Strum

Shane Strum, Board Member and 2021 Commodore

BOARD MEMBER and 2021 COMMODORE

Name: Shane Strum

Company: Broward Health

Shane Strum is President and CEO of Broward Health, one of the 10 largest public health systems in the U.S.

Strum is a recognized leader with decades of executive experience. Most recently, Strum served as chief of staff to Florida Governor Ron DeSantis. Prior to his work with the state, Strum served as senior vice president at Memorial Healthcare System in Hollywood, Florida, where he was part of an executive team that managed over 15,000 employees and an annual budget more than $2.4 billion. He also oversaw Memorial’s strategic planning, marketing, community relations and global health functions. Before he joined Memorial’s executive team, Strum served on the South Broward Hospital District Board for several years, including two terms as chairman.

A native of Broward County, Strum’s legacy of public service has spanned nearly 30 years. During that time, Strum has led initiatives that have lowered costs of prescription drugs, expanded telehealth services, improved transparency and quality in healthcare, and increased awareness of mental health and substance abuse issues throughout the state.

 In addition to his healthcare experience, Strum has exceled in higher education, having served as vice chancellor of Keiser University and director of corporate and government relations at Nova Southeastern University. He has been an active board member of the Winterfest organization for 20 years.

 Strum has an MBA from Nova Southeastern University and a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Alabama.

Enjoy a Photo Gallery of the 2021 Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade Black Tie Ball Belle of the Ball and Commodore

Storytime with Santa

Storytime with Santa presented by Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital with a special thank you to Visit Lauderdale for inviting the Jolly ol’ Elf to beautiful Greater Fort Lauderdale and Broward County to enjoy a little vacation before his busy night!

Where does Santa Vacation?

Visit Lauderdale Knows were to find Santa –

Do you want to vacation like Santa? Check out all the hotel packages on the winterfestparade.com website and Vaca like the Jolly Ol’ Elf

Have You Met… November 2021

Winterfest is proud to highlight a few of the people that are behind the scenes of the “Best Show on H20”

Meet Alyssa Lovitt & Johnny Williams

Alyssa Lovitt

Alyssa Lovitt

BOARD MEMBER and CHAIR of WINTERFEST’S WHITE HOT LAUNCH PARTY

Name: Alyssa Lovitt

Company: I LOV-ITT Events

Alyssa Lovitt, founder, and CEO of I LOV-ITT Events, is a highly passionate premier event planner and business development consultant.

Alyssa has cultivated her skills by teaming with major corporations and charities in the South Florida area by aligning their vision into seamless and memorable events and productions.

Her extensive experience in the areas of corporate special event operations, social events, hospitality, sponsorship research and solicitation, community relations, and business development allows her to offer a wide range of services while delivering high-end personalized service to all clients.

Mrs. Lovitt continuously engages herself in causes to better our society and has been an asset to the structure of countless organizations such as The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Women United, and many more!

What makes I LOV-ITT Events different and special is that they offer superior quality planning and consulting services and ideas designed to create a memorable and cherished experience for everyone involved.

The consulting specialists at I LOV-ITT Events will guide you through the entire process of designing and producing successful and well-planned events.

Johnny Williams

Johnny Williams

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBER and WINTERFEST CO-COUNSEL

Name: Johnny Williams

COMPANY: ProMOTION Sports & Entertainment

Johnny Williams Jr. is Managing Partner of ProMOTION Sports & Entertainment, a firm specializing in the implementation and production of integrated marketing programs and events for pro athletes and entertainers.

Johnny leverages his knowledge and understanding of the sports and entertainment industry, along with his extensive industry experience, to strategically align athletes and performers with corporate America by enhancing their brand and generating revenue for their philanthropic initiatives.

Mr. Williams has been successful in managing comprehensive complex projects for companies such as The Don Shula Foundation, The Super Bowl XXIX Host Committee, The PGA Tour, and Pro Series, INC. At PSI, he structured major contracts that delivered a multi-million dollar ROI for their corporate partners.

His accomplishments don’t stop there! He has been a member of the Florida Bar since 2003 and graduated from Nova Southeastern University’s Shepard College of Law, earned a MS degree in Sports Administration and Marketing from St. Thomas University and a BA degree in Communications from the State University of New York at Cortland.

Johnny has been recognized in Success South Florida Magazine as being one of South Florida’s most successful African American businessmen under 40 and in the inaugural edition of Who’s Who in Black South Florida.

  • He has given back to the community through his work as a Guardian Ad Litem and mentoring students.
  • Mr. Williams sits on the Executive Board of The Winterfest Boat Parade, The Pantry of Broward and serves as General Counsel for the O.J. McDuffie Catch 81 Foundation.

The November 2021 Winterfest Wave and Have You Met powered by I LOV-ITT Events

Have You Met… September 2021

Winterfest is proud to highlight a few of the people that are behind the scenes of the “Best Show on H20”

Meet Our Boaters

MR. BOBB

Messingschlager Family
37 Years in the Parade

Mr. Bobb
Mr. Bobb

Mark Family 2018

A fan favorite, Mr. Bobb has been in the Parade since 1985. Mr. Bobb, a 60-foot Hatteras Sport fisherman, is owned by the Messingschlager Family and is always an award-winner and “People’s Choice Award” favorite with Parade fans.

The lighting and decorations are all done by son Mark. Every year, this entry hosts children, grandchildren and approximately 35 friends.    

Mr. Bobb is an anticipated entry – a Parade tradition. If you think this boat is spectacular, you should see their house which was featured as a contestant on ABC’s National Light Fight.

BLUEFOOT PIRATE ADVENTURES

Captain Maurice Andrews
11 Years in the Parade

Meet Maurice Andrews (Captain Black Sparrow) – Bluefoot Pirate Adventures

Maurice is a boat captain and commercial diver who takes on the persona of Captain Black Sparrow onboard Bluefoot Pirate Adventures. Prior to becoming a “pirate,” Maurice captained research vessels for Florida Atlantic University and worked on underwater fiber optic cable installation in places such as Brazil, Panama, Chile and Peru. His love of boating started after his time in the United States Army when he was a captain on the US Navy Base on Andros Island. 

When Maurice isn’t telling pirate tales to children on his ship, he enjoys underwater video and photography. 

Bluefoot Pirate Adventures has been a part of the Parade since their inception in 2011. The crew bring swashbuckling fun to Winterfest. Bluefoot Pirate Adventures is ranked as one of South Florida’s top-rated boating attractions for the entire family. They host daily pirate treasure hunts along Fort Lauderdale’s Intracoastal Waterway filled with action, adventure, and just a touch of magic! 

THE ICE CREAM FLOAT BOAT

AMY MCGILL
First Time In Parade

Meet Amy McGill with the Ice Cream Float Pompano. She is a first-time entry to the Parade. This cute little boat brings ice cream conveniently to boaters throughout the waterways of Pompano Beach. The idea for this business began when Amy and a friend were boating on a hot Florida day and wishing they had a cold treat. Now all boaters can benefit from their confectionery desires and wave them over when you see them passing by. They will also stop by your dock, come to your dockside BBQ, or bring ice cream to your birthday party.

This summer the Ice Cream Float Pompano brought all of those ice cream truck favorites to the water, and they also added some locally made Florida products such as scoops of “Mermaid Bubbles” and “Bait Bucket” ice cream and Key Lime Pie bars dipped in chocolate. Are you a fan? Follow them on Facebook and Instagram. Wonder what they will be serving their guests Parade night?

Meet Our Board Members

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBER: Rob Kornahrens

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBER: Rob Kornahrens

Rob Kornahrens’ humble business beginning started in 1983 when he borrowed $15,000 from his father to start his own business. From the purchase of a pick-up truck, the seeds of Rob’s roofing entrepreneurship were born. His focus on customer service in the commercial reroofing business is the foundation of his company’s steady growth for the last 35 years.  Today, Advanced Roofing has been in the top 10 Commercial Roofing Contractors in the United States and #1 in Florida, with seven branches throughout the State, which employs approximately 500 people. 

In 2007, Advanced Green Technologies (AGT) became a solar distributor for a thin film solar panel. Rob also started a solar contracting business to support AGT. Fourteen years later, AGT is the top commercial rooftop solar contractor in the State of Florida and recently completed two 2 Mega Watt Solar carports at Lockheed Martin (approximately 600 cars).  

As a boating enthusiast, Rob enters the Parade every year with a “wow” entry showcasing his creative adaptivity to the Parade’s theme. It was his actions during his early years in the Parade (spinning his boat in front of the judges to give them a 360-degree view of his decorations) which got him involved with the board.

Twenty-five years later, Rob prides himself as an award-winning parade participant, past chairman of the board, and a member of various Winterfest committees. You will see Rob at all the Winterfest celebrations every year leading up to the Parade.

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBER: Gregg Snowden

Gregg Snowden Headshot

Gregg Snowden is a highly passionate VP/Account Director for GTB, one of Ford’s global marketing agencies. GTB is part of WPP which is the largest ad agency holding company in the world. Gregg manages the South Florida Ford Dealers account with a thorough knowledge of the client’s business, the consumer, the marketplace and all aspects of advertising and marketing including creative, media, financials, research, and production.

Gregg has over 20 years of marketing and advertising experience, of which 18 years have been completed at nationally recognized ad agencies. His eagerness to stay abreast of marketing trends has kept his clients at the forefront of social, digital, and experiential marketing.

Gregg is also a husband and father of two kids, Nicholas and Gianna. In his spare time, Gregg has a passion for fitness, enjoys golfing, and playing in the pool with his kids.

Gregg is a long-time supporter of Winterfest, an active board member since 2012, and currently serves on the Executive Board.

South Florida Ford is the sponsor of the 2021 Fireworks.

EXECUTIVE BOARD MEMBER and VIP PARADE AREA PARTNER: Karla Thatcher

Karla Nelson-Thatcher Headshot

Twelve-time Emmy Award winner, Karla Nelson-Thatcher, Vice President of Corporate Communications, Government and Public Affairs for Hotwire Communications is an accomplished Public and Government Relations strategist, bringing over twenty years of creative and negotiating experience to her work. After getting her start as a television writer and producer, Ms. Nelson-Thatcher migrated to broadcasting where she held several positions as a Creative Services Director, analyzing Market Research and applying it to the development of talent teams, show formatting, and station branding to achieve market position in the wildly competitive world of television overnight ratings.

Her creative career continued as co-founder of K&L Consulting with international clients including an airline, an Island Government, and several not-for-profits in her hometown of South Florida. On the heels of success, Karla was picked by Comcast Cable in the Florida region, where over the course of thirteen years her role evolved from ensuring compliance with municipal franchise agreements to overseeing ad campaigns and the execution of Public, Education and Government programming.

Ms. Nelson-Thatcher developed news conferences for product launches, internal electronic based learning and a heavily viewed local on Demand portal that featured an array of programming, some of which won Emmy awards. Now, as VP of Corporate Communications, Government and Public Affairs at Hotwire Communications, Karla is building the foundation of Hotwire’s community profile and aligning with local CBOs, School Boards, Not for Profits, and Elected Officials.

During Ms. Nelson-Thatcher’s extensive career, she has been a part of Winterfest and recently accepted the position as assistant secretary on the organization’s Executive Board and is chairwoman of the Marketing Committee.

ADVISORY MEMBER: Bill Feinberg

Bill Fienberg Headshot

Bill Feinberg, President of Allied Kitchen and Bath in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, has been an advisory member of Winterfest since 2013. Bill and his brother, Joe, founded the company in 1984. A self-made man with his roots in Philadelphia, Bill had a vision for the design and remodeling business. He successfully brought that vision to South Florida and has been reshaping the community for the last 35 years.  A man who lives by the motto “Pay it Forward,” Bill has hosted more than 100 charity events in the Allied showrooms with 100% of all funds raised going directly to the charity, often raising between $10,000-20,000 in just a few hours.

Bill is involved many with trade organizations for the Kitchen and Bath Industry and has served on numerous committees and Boards within the BKBG and the NKBA (National Kitchen & Bath Association) organizations. He recently served as the 2020 Chair of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce.

Along with the Winterfest Advisory Board and the organization’s Marketing Committee. Bill currently serves on the boards of Habitat for Humanity and is the immediate past Chair, The Fort Lauderdale Chamberof Commerce. He is also involved with the US Army Advisory Council of Broward County, The Economic Advisory Council of Broward County (which works closely with The Federal Reserve Board), and is the past President of The South Florida Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and the Oakland Park Wilton Manors Chamber.