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| Volume XXIII Number 1 | January 11, 2002 |
Winterfest Boat Parade Kick Off Party -
Introducing Grand Marshal, Donald Trump
By Alexandra FrankFORT LAUDERDALE - On Dec. 14, the Winterfest Boat Parade Committee held its final kick off party at the Double Tree Suites, signaling the official start of the Winterfest activities. This party also introduce this year's "Grand Marshall," Donald Trump.
The event was filled with notable individuals such as Channel Seven News Weatherman Jim Kahmal, and Deco Drive personalities Belkys Nerey and Lynn Martinez.
There were other high profile personalities, such as actor Steven Bower of the movies "Scarface" and "Traffic." Also introduced was Jorge Marina, an up and coming singer from Madonna's label Maverick Records.
There were two other individuals prominently placed on the evening's agenda. The first, of course, was Max Osceola, Jr., who was named the "Commodore" of the 2001 Winterfest celebrations.
Max was called up to the stage to share a few words with the attendees of the event. Max started his speech by stating, " My ancestors used to canoe down the New River, now I'm glad I get to yacht down the New River."
Osceola thanked the sponsors of the boat parade, because the event would not be possible without their support. He even thanked the volunteers of the boat parade, noting that their time donated to the event; " is an act of love."
He also pointed out that, after the fateful day of September 11, the evening was a night of celebration and so should the day of the boat parade. With those parting words, Osceola said "Thank You" in the Miccosukee and Creek languages. Osceola was presented with a Winterfest Boat Parade framed poster and a Galileo Thermometer.
The next individual introduced was Mr. Charlie Folds - Director of Community and Public Relations of Channel 7. Mr. Folds was given the honor of introducing this year's Grand Marshall, to the delight of the Winterfest sponsors, spectators, and contestants.
Mr. Folds described the next individual as having been instrumental during the New York tragedy, a person he described as a compassionate and caring gentleman. Mr. Folds then asked the attendees to help him welcome Mr. Donald Trump, the honorary "Grand Marshall."
Mr. Trump made his way to the podium, amid a rousing round of applause, and smiled his way through the crowd that had gathered around him.
Before Mr. Trump could address the crowd, Mr. Folds presented Trump with a special performance by two young girls. The girls were dressed in sailor uniforms and sang a special version of "Hello Dolly", which was changed to "Hello Donald." Mr. Trump was very pleased and gave both girls a hug.
Mr. Trump thanked the Winterfest board for the honor of being named the Grand Marshall, saying, "As you may have read, this area is one of my favorite areas in the world, I love it."
"I've been here many times, I'm here literally on a monthly basis. I've found it to be one of the best spots in the world between the weather and the beautiful people. Notice, as I age, I say people as opposed to something else. I just find it to be one of the great places in the world."
"So when I was asked to be Grand Marshall I said, ' Well, I've been watching that parade for years,' and really it is an honor. Getting out of the airport today in New York wasn't the easiest thing in the world to do, you know, we have a little problem with airports nowadays."
"But this really is a great honor for me and I really am looking forward to tomorrow and we're gonna have a lot of fun and I thank you all very much."
After Mr. Trump's speech, Mr. Folds presented Trump with a crystal sailboat, a cummerbund and a Winterfest poster signed by the artist.
The evening was just the beginning of a two-day event that featured the "Birch State Activities,"a Winterfest Celebration at Birch State Park.
This event started on Saturday morning, the day of the boat parade, featuring music, food, arts and crafts, and specialty items by some of the sponsors of the boat parade.
The participants of the boat parade, some who have traveled long distances needed something to do before the boat parade began that evening. The Winterfest people thought up the idea to have activities during the day for the participants to enjoy while they waited for the boat parade to begin.
The Seminole Tribe had a booth that highlighted some of the Tribe's ventures, such as the museums and eco tours. Also presented at the booth area were exhibits such as Native American dancing, arts and crafts, and Florida wildlife.
This is the second year the Seminole Tribe has participated in the Birch State Activities, which is in its fourth year. What better way to highlight some of South Florida's best businesses and sponsors of the Winterfest Boat Parade.
Note: The Tribe's boat, which was dubbed the "River of Grass," won the Showboat division of the Best Use of Theme category.
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