Winter Party Festival 2019; the sexiest beach party with a good cause in Miami

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The party kicked off on Wednesday, February 27th at the Shelborne South Beach Hotel and the festivities continued for a late night dance event at the Riviera Live for “PARADISE: DEJA-VU” which had attendees dancing the night away. Thursday evening was hosted by Hotel Gaythering on Lincoln Road. It was a cocktail mixer, giving everyone an opportunity to get personally acquainted and make new friends. Later, patrons moved the party a mile away to Mr. Jones for “IGNITE” which had hundreds partying into the morning hours. (Photo: Courtesy)


ROBERT WATERS

@robjwtrs70


The 2019 Winter Party Festival was a multi-day, multi-event success! Thousands of people descended on South Florida to attend the now legendary festival. In these times of political unrest, national news of hate and disturbing world events, this gala offered a welcomed escape. For those unaware, the Winter Party Festival began in 1994 with only a single event, a beach party on Miami Beach. The purpose of the event was to raise money for LGBTQ community and the causes important to help that community thrive and grow. Since their inception the Task Force has raised millions of dollars which has benefited such causes as LGBTQ rights, HIV prevention, battling hate crimes and marriage equality. Over the years, the party has gotten bigger drawing world famous DJs and celebrities. It has expanded into a week-long fundraiser.


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On Friday afternoon, the Gates Hotel South Beach gave the Winter Party Festival its official weekend kick-off with the “VAGABUNDOS POOL PARTY giving everyone a chance to kick back and soak up some sun. At the same time, The Palace Bar on Collins Ave hosted the “SUNNY SIDE UP BRUNCH”. (Photo: Courtesy)


Friday evening, was the VIP COCKTAIL RECEPTION at The Carlton Hotel. Later that night, the party moved to Club Space for the “HEAT” dance party.


Saturday afternoon, found party-goers at the Nikki Beach Club for an afternoon of cocktails, dancing, sun and sand. There were even private cabanas available for those who were interested. That evening, there were soirees hosted by The Palace Bar in South Beach as well as Hunters Nightclub in Fort Lauderdale. The James L. Knight Center in Downtown Miami was the host of Saturday’s late night dance party “MASTERBEAT: ODYSSEY”.


Sunday afternoon found patrons on Miami Beach near 12th and 13th Avenues. This is the event that gave the Winter Party Festival their reputation from the beginning. “THE BEACH PARTY” took place on a beautiful day, the weather was warm with a nice ocean breeze. Although not as grand as years previous, the dance floor was noticeably smaller as was the entire venue.  Nonetheless, it was a good time to be sure. Sunday night, the James L. Knight Center hosted “MATERBEAT AVALANCHE”. Monday night, The Hangar in Downtown Miami and Treehouse on South Beach hosted the Winter Party’s final events.


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This annual event is a must-attend party. The overall feeling is jovial and everyone really mixes well together to create a fun and positive experience. It is a visual feast for the eyes and ears. From scantily-clad hard bodies in exotic costumes, dazzling light shows and heart pounding music, the Winter Party is definitely one of the highlights for the LGBTQ community in South Florida. (Photo: Courtesy)


The Festival isn’t just a week-long reason to party. It serves a very serious purpose and they should be supported by every member of the community. Its message, I’m afraid, is lost on the younger generation.  I could not help but ponder how many even know why the Winter Party happens each year. The world was a much different place in 1994 when it all began. It is due to the hard work and tenacity of this organization that these kids are living the lives they take for granted 2019. To this reviewer, that is most unfortunate indeed.


The Winter Party is a safe, fun environment that must be experienced to be understood. Where else in the world can you find ten thousand people of all shapes, sizes and nationalities coming together in solidarity? This year’s fitting theme was “With Open Arms”. There were no airs or attitudes. Here you can find people from opposite ends of the spectrum joining hands with love in their hearts and smiles on their faces. The feeling of comradery and acceptance was palpable and infectious. The Party is the hottest, steamiest fund-raiser in town! It is the perfect recipe for success. Beautiful beaches, glittery nightclubs, cozy social gatherings, the best DJs on the planet, celebrity hosts and entertainers.  Every event was a celebration and it is largely due to the incredible people who attend the event each year. I’m already looking forward to next year’s festivities!