AAA is once again offering Tow to Go – in select states – during the final week of the holiday season, serving as the last line of defense to keep impaired drivers off the road.

The service is provided from 6 p.m. Friday, December 24 – 6 a.m. Monday, January 3. Call (855) 2-TOW-2-GO or (855) 286-9246

Approximately one-third of all traffic crash fatalities in the United States involve drunk drivers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), during the 2019 Christmas and New Year’s Day holiday periods, there were more drunk driving related fatalities (210) than during any other holiday period that year across the U.S.AAA Tow to Go has removed more than 25,000 impaired drivers from the road. When called, a tow truck transports the would-be impaired driver and their vehicle to a safe place within a 10 mile radius. The service is free, yet AAA asks that it be treated as a backup plan.

“Driving impaired doesn’t only endanger yourself, but risks the lives of all the adults and children you share the road with,” said Mark Jenkins, spokesman, AAA – The Auto Club Group. ““AAA is proud to provide this life-saving program during the holidays. Yet we still urge people to identify a safe ride home before they party, and treat Tow to Go as their last resort.”

TOW TO GO GUIDELINES

• Free and available to AAA members and non-members.
• Confidential local ride for one person and their vehicle to a safe location within a 10 miles radius.
• AAA service vehicles are limiting passengers to one (1) per vehicle, with face mask/covering, in accordance with established COVID-19 safety protocols.  Additional passengers need to make other arrangements.
• Appointments cannot be scheduled in advance to use Tow to Go. It is designed as a safety net for those that did not plan ahead. Always choose a designated driver before celebrating.
• In some situations, AAA may need to make other arrangements to get an impaired individual a safe ride home.
• Tow to Go may not be available in rural areas or during severe weather conditions.

 The Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade, the world’s most watched boat parade, will take place along a 12-mile parade route on Saturday, Dec. 11, 2021 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Celebrating its 50th year, the milestone event will be led by Grand Marshal Mario Lopez – two-time Emmy-winning television host, nationwide iHeartMedia radio host, author and YouTube superstar. The “50 Years of Hard Rockin’ Fun”-themed parade will feature 100 boats adorned with festive light displays and holiday décor along the New River, Intracoastal Waterway and Lake Santa Barbara in Greater Fort Lauderdale. 

“I’m excited to join everyone live from Greater Fort Lauderdale for the traditional kickoff to the South Florida holiday season at the 50th Annual Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade,” said Mario Lopez, best known as the host of “Access Hollywood,” and from his early days on “Saved by the Bell,” and its critically revered reboot on Peacock, as well as competing on “Dancing with the Stars.” “For years, I’ve watched the festivities on TV and am thrilled to now ride on a float, helping bring holiday cheer to everyone watching. It’s such a memorable experience to not only watch this unique parade, but to participate in it and in such a beautiful setting.”

Mario Lopez has appeared in several television series, films, and even on Broadway. In addition, Lopez is staring in a brand-new Lifetime Original Movie called “Holiday in Sante Fe” that premiers Friday, Dec. 10 on Lifetime.

Visit Lauderdale is proud to be a sponsor of the 50th Annual Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade. The world’s most-watched boat parade is viewed annually by more than 1 million spectators – both in-person and remotely.

“We look forward to welcoming everyone under the sun to Greater Fort Lauderdale to enjoy the beloved Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade along with our gorgeous weather and family fun experiences,” said Stacy Ritter, president and CEO of Visit Lauderdale, the official destination marketing organization for Greater Fort Lauderdale. “This spectacular annual tradition is a wonderful reflection of our vibrant, diverse community and the welcoming spirit we extend to all.”

The parade will begin along the docks west of Stranahan House to the Broward Center for the Performing Arts. The boats then travel East along the New River in Fort Lauderdale to the Intracoastal Waterway as it continues North to Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach. This family-friendly event can be viewed from Las Olas Promenade Park. Gates open at 4 p.m. for the parade viewing area where attendees will enjoy live entertainment by Big City Dogs, a Stella Artois Culinary Courtyard, and various activities for the family. Purchase your tickets here. 

“It’s hard to believe that the Winterfest Boat Parade is celebrating its 50th year as the ‘Greatest Show on H2O’,” says Kathleen Keleher, marketing and parade director of Winterfest. “What started as a way to kick off the holiday season here in South Florida has become an annual family event that brings joy to residents and visitors alike while also supporting the Greater Fort Lauderdale community in so many different ways.”

For more information about Winterfest® and where to watch it, visit www.winterfestparade.com. To plan your stay to attend the parade, visit www.visitlauderdale.com.    

Have you been naughty or nice this year? Sometimes even Santa has to be a little naughty. He will be at the Deerfield Beach Historical Society event on Thursday, Dec. 9 from 5 to 9 p.m. tipping back a few drinks with friends. Will you be there too? Drinks, light bites and entertainment await. Head to the Cultural Center (84 SE 4th Ave., Deerfield) and have some holiday fun! Tickets are $25.

By Rachel Galvin

Photos by Carol Porter

Frank McDonough Park was home to Lighthouse A’Glow again this year, which made many very happy after experiencing it virtually last year. People could grab some snack, enjoy live entertainment and even see Santa Claus. It was the perfect night for photo opps and it brought families together. Of course, they also did the tree and menorah lighting. A fun time was had by all! 

Santa’s Fire Truck Sleigh will be escorted by BSO. The times listed below are approximate timelines, which may vary within a 30-minute window to include early or late arrivals.Times will also depend on traffic, weather, and other potential unforeseen events.

Drive-thru parade locations and times.

• 9:30 AM Highlands Park
• 10:00 AM South Crystal Heights Park
• 10:30 AM IndependenceBay Club House
• 11:00 AM Water Ways Club House
• 11:30 AM Ada Graham-Johnson Park
• 12:00 PM Riverglen Park
• 12:15 PM Villages of Hillsboro Park
• 12:30 PM Constitution Park
• 1:00 PM Oveta McKeithen Recreational Complex
• 1:30 PM PioneerPark
• 2:00 PM Sullivan Park
• 2:30 PM Ocean Way Drive
• 3:00 PM Mayo Howard Park

 Should you have any questions, please email the Public Affairs and Marketing office at web.publicaffairsmarketing@dfb.city.

Magic and excitement will be in the air…and on the water when the 59th Annual Pompano Beach Holiday Boat Parade, the longest running boat parade in the nation, sets sail on Friday, December 10 at 7 p.m. Presented by the Greater Pompano Beach Chamber of Commerce, this year’s parade kicks off at Lake Santa Barbara in Pompano Beach and proceeds north through the Hillsboro Bridge and ends at Sullivan Park located at 1633 Riverview Road in Deerfield Beach. Over 50 boats, glowing with colorful lights, Holiday decorations, music and merriment, will be thrilling thousands of spectators that line the Intracoastal Waterway. Mr. and Mrs. Santa Claus will of course be in the parade.

Spectator viewing bleachers will be located at Alsdorf Park on 14th Street Causeway located at 2974 NE 14 Street. Entrance into the Holiday Boat Parade is free and boats small and large are encouraged to participate. Both the NE 14th Street Causeway and Atlantic Boulevard Intracoastal Waterway Bridges will be locked into the open position from 6:30 p.m. until the parade passes. Please seek alternate routes to and from the beach during this time.

For more information, call 954-941-2941.

Photos by Brian Castillo

Did you see the Haunted Arboretum in Deerfield Beach? It was filled with spooky ghosts and scary goblins. The Deerfield Beach Parks & Recreation Department and volunteers made the landscape filled with fright, perfect for kids of all ages, and their parents, looking for a little Halloween fun.

By Rachel Galvin