Celebrating 50 Years: The Winterfest® Boat Parade Is Back

Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Boat Parade revealed two-time Emmy-Winning Television Host, Nationwide iHeartMedia Radio Host, Author and YouTube Superstar, Mario Lopez, as the Grand Marshal of the 50th annual Parade taking place on Saturday, December 11th, 2021. Lopez is one of the most iconic faces of television and best known from his early days on “Saved by the Bell” and dancing on the hit show, “Dancing with the Stars.”

“We are excited to have Mario Lopez as the celebrity Grand Marshal to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Winterfest and the holiday season,” said Lisa Scott-Founds, President and CEO. “Lopez has won many hearts with his mesmerizing charm and charismatic presence on TV and Broadway.”

Lopez will appear onboard the Fifth Third Bank Grand Marshal Showboat in the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Boat Parade on December 11th, 2021. He will be waving and greeting the spectators along the 12-mile Parade route as it sails along the New River, Intracoastal and the Parade Public Viewing Areas presented by Baptist Health towards Pompano Beach.

Mario Lopez will also appear at the private Winterfest® Grand Marshal Reception presented by University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center on Friday, December 10th, 2021. The reception will honor Lopez, the Winterfest Foundation’s Jr. Captain Violet Martin from the Florida Youth Orchestra, the University of Miami Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center Child Ambassador Jordan Levy and other celebrity guests. The evening will include a special performance by Violinist Steve Avi, celebrity appearances by founding member of NSYNC Joey Fatone and Bravo’s Below Deck Captain Lee.

Lopez recently joined "Access Hollywood" and has signed a development deal with NBC/Universal. He also hosts the Nationwide iHeartMedia Radio Shows, "On with Mario Lopez" and "iHeartRadio Countdown with Mario Lopez." Lopez has also launched a YouTube channel called "The Lopez Family" featuring his wife Courtney, their two children and their two dogs.

He has recently appeared on the NBC hit drama “This is Us” and the CW series “Jane the Virgin.” Lopez has also appeared on “Brooklyn 99,” “The Rookie” and served as a recurring voice on “Elena of Avalor” with his daughter Gia. He played ‘Dr. Mike Hamoui’ on F/X network's popular show "Nip/Tuck." Lopez previously starred in the highest-rated program in ABC Family history, "Holiday in Handcuffs" and also starred opposite Mark Consuelos in the made-for-TV movie, "Husband for Hire."

Lopez has also appeared on the FOX and FOX Sports Networks on the shows The X Factor, LA Fight Club as well as EXTRA TV. Lopez’s relentless work ethic has extended him to include his love of sports, specifically boxing, fitness and clean eating. As a best-selling author, Mario has expanded beyond autobiographies and children’s books to healthy eating guides for the entire family and fitness books.

Parade enthusiasts are invited to show their love for the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Boat Parade by voting in USA Today 10 Best Readers’ Choice for the favorite holiday parade in North America. Parade-goers are allowed to vote once a day until December 6th, 2021 at 12 p.m. by visiting: https://www.10best.com/awards/travel/best-holiday-parade-2021/.

For more information on the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Boat Parade, how to win tickets to the exclusive Winterfest® Grand Marshal Reception or purchase tickets to watch the parade, visit: www.WinterfestParade.com Or call: (954) 767-0686.

Winterfest, celebrating 50 years 1971-2021
Winterfest® is a Florida not-for-profit organization based in Broward County that produces a variety of events including the free public event known as the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest® Boat Parade – “The World’s Most Watched Boat Parade.” On a typical year, more than one million spectators view the Parade along the 12-mile route, with millions more via television and the internet, bringing national and international recognition to South Florida. Winterfest® also hosts a variety of annual events to enhance the community’s image and provide unique, wholesome family entertainment. For more information, visit them online at: www.winterfestparade.com Call: (954) 767-0686. Follow them on Facebook At: winterfest.parade. Follow them on Instagram At: WinterfestInc. Join the conversation: #WF50 #WinterfestFL.