LauderBlog
Dec 8: Near the Passing Parade
Posted On: December 11, 2008 12:11 PM
Posted By: LauderBLOGGER
Related Subjects: Greater Fort Lauderdale
It was better. Last year’s boat parade was the best I’d seen, actually, in large part because of a major change. This annual floating lightfest started downtown on the New River before chugging up the Intracoastal to Pompano Beach. So there were many more opportunities to see these decked-out watercrafts, of course, and that helped spread out the crowds. But more importantly, the chance to sit along the river for the big seasonal parade put viewers right into the action. Or so it felt anyway. Watching from the river bank as the boats floated past seemed like being up close and personal with the people on those boats. I really enjoyed it.
I’m telling you this because the boat parade organizers wisely decided to keep that same route this year. And because the boat parade is happening again this Saturday night, December 13, starting at around 6:30 p.m. All the way from the staging area near the Broward Center for the Performing Arts through the Riverwalk and downtown Las Olas areas, then finally to the Intracoastal for the slow trip north. This means lots and lots of potential viewing spots.
Last year, I caught the show just off Las Olas, down a block from Mangos restaurant at a little park on the New River. I stood there with maybe another 40 or so people, waiting patiently for the boats to slip by. The grand marshal then was Lorraine Bracco, who was just finishing up her run in the Sopranos TV series. She was wonderful with the people, waving and pointing out specific audience members for special greetings. “Hi girls! Don’t you look pretty all in red like that!” That is how close the boats came to the boat watchers, allowing her to interact with individuals. This time around, actor Jim Belushi is the grand marshal and no doubt he’ll offer some amusing comments along the way. Officially called the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade, this holiday tradition is now in its 37th year. It’s a real family event, with moms and dads and kids and all of that. But it’s fun for everyone else too and makes a great inexpensive Saturday night date. Meaning, it’s free. I plan to be there, waving from the riverside along with the crowd. Some holiday traditions are too good to miss.
I’m telling you this because the boat parade organizers wisely decided to keep that same route this year. And because the boat parade is happening again this Saturday night, December 13, starting at around 6:30 p.m. All the way from the staging area near the Broward Center for the Performing Arts through the Riverwalk and downtown Las Olas areas, then finally to the Intracoastal for the slow trip north. This means lots and lots of potential viewing spots.
Last year, I caught the show just off Las Olas, down a block from Mangos restaurant at a little park on the New River. I stood there with maybe another 40 or so people, waiting patiently for the boats to slip by. The grand marshal then was Lorraine Bracco, who was just finishing up her run in the Sopranos TV series. She was wonderful with the people, waving and pointing out specific audience members for special greetings. “Hi girls! Don’t you look pretty all in red like that!” That is how close the boats came to the boat watchers, allowing her to interact with individuals. This time around, actor Jim Belushi is the grand marshal and no doubt he’ll offer some amusing comments along the way. Officially called the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade, this holiday tradition is now in its 37th year. It’s a real family event, with moms and dads and kids and all of that. But it’s fun for everyone else too and makes a great inexpensive Saturday night date. Meaning, it’s free. I plan to be there, waving from the riverside along with the crowd. Some holiday traditions are too good to miss.
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