Preserving history and celebrating the legacy of Thomas Edison is exactly why the Edison Light Festival is still so popular today. With the many different events, you and your family are bound to have a wonderful time.
About the Edison Light Festival
Created to honor Thomas Alva Edison, a New England native, the Edison Festival of Light has been around since 1938. Fort Myers became Edison’s beloved winter home and it is important for The Edison Festival of Light, Inc. to preserve Edison and his contributor’s memory as well as continuing the history of the well-known inventor. Because of Fort Myer’s ever-changing population the organization wants to keep his legacy alive with this glorious annual festival.
Edison Festival of Light Events
This festival runs from February 13 through February 20 with plenty of special events to attend.
- STEMtastic Day of Discovery
On February 13 at 10 am Edison Festival of Light partners with The Foundation For Lee County Public Schools and the School District of Lee County to produce many different STEM related exhibits for children and their families. - Junior Fun Run
On February 14 at 1 pm, hundreds of children will participate in this fun run. Open to children in 5th grade and younger, 4th and 5th graders will run a mile, 3rd graders will run three-quarters of a mile, 1st and 2nd graders will run a half mile, Kindergarteners will run a one-quarter mile, and children under five will run 50-75 yards. - Edison Festival of Lights Junior Parade
Florida’s largest youth parade takes place on February 14th at 2:30 pm. With over 100 units including marching bands, floats, dancers, and more, this parade is sure to delight both you and your family. - Junior Coronation & Parade Awards
Following the Junior Parade, at 4:30 pm parade awards including the highly anticipated crowning of the Junior King and Queen take place. - Crafts on the River
On February 19 and 20 from 10 am to 5 pm and February 21 from 10 am to 4 pm, you and your family can enjoy this craft lovers dream with over 100 exhibitors showing off their handmade items. - Parade Celebration
From 11 am to 5 pm on February 20, enjoy all-day entertainment and music at the parade celebration. From the Bayshore Cloggers to Robin Dawn you’ll enjoy your time at the festival. - Edison Festival of Light 5K
With well over 1,400 participants and thousands of spectators, this is one of the most anticipated events throughout the entire festival. - Grand Parade
As the largest night parade in the Southeast for many years and counting, many spectators look forward to this event every year. This two-hour extravaganza features both national and local participants including marching bands, floats, local government, law enforcement officials, clowns, and more. Don’t miss this fantastic event on February 20 at 7 pm. - Classic Car Show
For all those car lovers out there, visiting the classic car show on February 21 at 10 am is a must. With hundreds of classic vehicles lining the streets, there is plenty to look at and reminisce about cars of the past. - Mutt Strutt
Don’t leave your four-legged friend at home for this event. The mutt strutt is held on February 13 at 1 pm where everyone can gather with their furry friends for an afternoon of fun, food, and pups!
While you’re visiting Fort Myers for the Edison Festival of Lights 2016, make sure to book your stay at one of Sun Palace Vacations incredible rental homes. If you’re planning on participating in the Mutt Strutt, check out our pet-friendly rentals. We look forward to booking your stay!