Fort Myers and Thomas Edison have a history that spans over 100 years. In 1885, Edison bought a winter retreat that is a both an important landmark, and a popular historic attraction. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thomas_Edison)
Few would dispute the monumental contribution that Fort Myers’ most famous resident (okay, Henry Ford did live next door) made to the world.
Every year, Fort Myers honors its favorite son in a three-week-long birthday celebration downtown. Best of all, it’s fun and it’s free! The “main event” happens this Saturday, February 18th. Starting at 10 a.m., Centennial Park is transformed into a crafts fair with nearly 100 artisans and crafters displaying (and selling) their creations. At noon, the party begins at Centennial Park with a whole afternoon of entertainment - fun, music and food - leading up to a 5K run at 5:45 p.m. The Grand Parade begins at 7 p.m. And culminates in a fireworks display after dark. (http://www.edisonfestival.org/events.html)
This is not your ordinary “local” parade, it's a world-class celebration. With dozens of intricately constructed floats, carefully designed demonstrations and (of course) marching bands from all around the region, it will delight and entertain you. It may not be on quite the same level as the more famous Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade, but it comes very close!
The parade can be viewed from anywhere along its route, but the best vantage point is near the end, along Edwards Drive, the street in front of Centennial Park. The parade is free for all, but you can rent the best seats in the house for $10. All profits go to local organizations, and it’s money well spent. (http://www.edisonfestival.org/grand_parade.html)
For more details, and a map of the parade route, be sure to visit the Festival of Light website at http://www.edisonfestival.org/index.html.
Because this event brings thousands of people to downtown Fort Myers, and because the streets are closed to traffic along the parade route, your best bet is to get there early, or take advantage of the flat $4 event parking at the local parking decks.
This is not one to miss. It’s fun, it’s frugal, and you will come back every year.
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