Winterfest Boat Parade Dazzles The Crowds

FT. LAUDERDALE (CBSMiami) - It's that's time of year again. Boats are all decked out for the Seminole Hard Rock Winterfest Boat Parade.

Along with bringing holiday cheer to parts of the city Saturday, these sparkling boats and barges will also cause various bridge and waterway closures. The parade began 6 p.m. in Downtown Fort Lauderdale.

Spectator Peggy Leeson said the show this year is better than last years.

"I think the best part of the show is the creativity of the different boats when they go through," Leeson said. 'They're really spectacular and I'm amazed. there seems to be many more boats this year than the last two years so it's very exciting."

Various bridges and waterways were be closed long before the event gets underway.

Bridges affected by the parade included those at 7th Avenue, the FEC Railroad crossing, Andrews Avenue, 3rd Avenue, Las Olas Boulevard, Sunrise Boulevard, Oakland Park Boulevard and Commercial Boulevard.