FORT LAUDERDALE, FLA. (WSVN) - Final preparations for the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade are underway as event organizers promise major surprises the day before it begins.
With just a day left until the “Greatest Show on H2O” makes its way down the Intracoastal in Fort Lauderdale, several yacht owners are putting the finishing touches on unique designs on Friday afternoon.
Ricardo Flores gave 7News a sneak peek of what his boat will put on display, featuring two motorcycles inside a round, metal cage.
“They’re gonna be inside that cage, riding around, crisscrossing and zig-zagging all different directions while the barge goes down the parade route,” said Flores.
Flores was joined by other boat and yacht owners going through final preparations as they get ready to put on a dazzling show as they follow a 12-mile route along the waterway.
Rob Kornahrens and his team from Nova Southeastern University were putting up intricate ocean-themed decorations to ensure they made a perfect entrance.
“We’re finishing off the finishing touches, getting everything ready for Saturday night,” said Rob Kornahrens. “We’re super excited. This is our second year in the parade. Last year, we killed it. This year, we upped the ante a little bit.”
Jeff Tuori is one of the many people with tickets to watch the parade.
“Ronnie, the caretaker of the Airbnb, said, ‘Hey, there’s this great Saturday night light show, boat show you got to go down,'” said Tuori.
Tuori traveled to South Florida with some friends from Michigan and said he’s excited to experience the show.
“I think we’ll find a spot to watch it from and be hooting and hollering as I assume people on the boats are probably doing the same,” said Tuori. “We’re looking forward to it.”
Event organizers are promising this year’s show will feature several big surprises.
With such big surprises in store, officials decided to kick off the parade earlier this year.
“We decided, because Santa Claus was flying in early from the North Pole, to put him, not only first, but also start the parade at 6 o’clock as opposed to 6:30. That way, all the little ones get to see Santa,” said Winterfest President and CEO Lisa Scott-Founds.
This year’s theme for the parade is “Yacht Rock of Ages.”
Scott-Founds says there will be plenty to see, including fan favorites and new crowd-pleasers.
“We have an EDM, electric dance music, happening this year. We’ve got a Junkanoo band, which we have never had a Junkanoo band, like, lighting up the shores and celebrating the Bahamas,” she said.
Boaters said the evening festivities will be exciting, and they’re glad to be part of the spectacle.
“To be part of the Winterfest Boat Parade, that’s an absolute honor,” said Flores.
The pre-show for the parade will begin at 5:30 p.m., Saturday, with the main event starting at 6:00 p.m.
Officials also want to remind drivers that several bridges and waterways will be closed ahead of the parade.
For more information on closures, click here.
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