Fort Lauderdale Boat Parade

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saltysam

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Following from today's local newspaper:

Some of the best spots to watch the Winterfest Boat Parade are on the water. If you're unable to snag a seat on a friend's boat or yacht, grab a seat along the New River or at Birch State Park -- home of Winterfest's official grandstand.

There will be seats and entertainment at Birch's in the northeast corner of Sunrise Boulevard and the Intracoastal Waterway. The gate opens at 3:30 p.m. Dec. 12. The parade sets sail at 6 p.m. Tickets are $16 for children ages 10 and younger and $21 for ages 10 and older by phone 954-767-0686 or through winterfestparade.com. Publix grocery stores have coupons for $5 off adult tickets.

This is not a B.Y.O.B. affair: no coolers or cans will be permitted in the gated party area. Pets are also not allowed in the park. There is no parking inside Birch State Park on parade day, however, there will be a park-and-ride service at at Holiday Park/War Memorial Auditorium, 1000 E. Sunrise Blvd. Bus rides are $4 roundtrip and parking is $6. Foot entry to the park is $2 per person. Blankets and chairs are permitted.
 
"This is not a B.Y.O.B. affair"

What!? No holiday cheer allowed?

How uncivilized.
 
Interesting. Glad to know that. If my other plans fall through that may be the thing to do.

G
 
I understand the New River will close to boat traffic (non parade boats) at 3:30Pm and the rest of the ICW parade route up to Lake SantaBarbara will be closed starting at 5:20 PM until the parade finishes. the forecast so far is excellent with a low of 69 degrees predicted. enjoy the parade!
 
"Prescription for ending a tradition"
By: Dr. Boredom Ad Nauseam

1= Make it expensive to attend.
2= Put as many restrictions as possible.
3= 1 + 2 = Take out the fun.
 
So a family of 4 with park and ride will cost $84? Plus, you can't even carry your own "refreshments"?

I think I'll stay home and watch old Oprah reruns.

Bob
 
There always are ways to improve. This Boat Parade has been going for a long time-- 38 years. We locals are quite proud of the way that the organizers have worked to improve and make it attractive to many visitors as well as the locals. There are over a hundred activities connected with the actual lighted boat parade. More than a hundred thousand people will be in and around the affair. Shoreside activities involve several gala parties hosted by the Seminole Indian Tribe. More than 90 large brightly decorated boats/yachts will participate. Decorating these boats and rigging the lighting is a real task.

The geography of the area is such that the trail of lighted craft must proceed out of the New River which is bordered on both sides by private residences. Very few good viewing locations because of lack of public property. Once in the Intracoastal and heading North there are but a few decent locations, mostly associated with several public parks. These are the most desirable locations for visitors to witness tha beauties of the night. One should expect to pay the slight freight to prepare, police, and restore the casual damages done by the crowds.

Not much in life is "free". Gotta pay your freight. Many people seem to value the opportu8nity.

So we South Floridians must be doing something right.

No, I don't agree with the previous comment.
 
This event was the best boat parade I have ever seen. I have not been in a few years but I cherish the memories. As a previous visitor I would pay no doubt but If I was a new non boating visitor I don't think I would.
 
This event was the best boat parade I have ever seen. I have not been in a few years but I cherish the memories. As a previous visitor I would pay no doubt but If I was a new non boating visitor I don't think I would.
 
We're hoping to have a good view of the parade. Our condo overlooks the Intracoastal at Lake Santa Barbara. We hope the parade comes up this far, we have not been here for the parade till now.

Our view,

IMG00015-20091128-1225.jpg


IMG00014-20091128-1225.jpg


IMG00013-20091128-1224.jpg


Top pic looking SW center looking W last looking NW.

If we have a good view I'll post a few pics.

Rich & Linda
 
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