The 86th Edison Festival of Light Parade will travel through Fort Myers on Saturday, Feb. 17. COURTESY PHOTOS
Dancing light bulbs will illuminate Fort Myers’ streets for the 86th annual Edison Festival of Light. The grand parade is happening from 7 to 10 p.m. on Saturday, Feb 17.
American businessman and inventor Thomas Alva Edison changed the world with his discoveries in electricity, telegraphs and motion pictures. In 1885, Edison built his winter estate in Fort Myers on the Caloosahatchee, and during his 50 seasonal years spent in Southwest Florida, he dedicated his time and support to local projects and charities. The celebration of his work and commencement of his life began in 1938 with the Edison Pageant of Light and now continues with the Edison Festival of Light.
“Individuals, families and companies already mark their viewing spot on the sidewalks along Cleveland Avenue with blue duct tape with names written down. They do that the weekend leading up to February,” said Michelle Burks, executive board member. “Some companies bring out their trucks and tents and hang out prior to the parade, like a tailgate. It is a big deal.”
The junior parade features family-friendly events in downtown Fort Myers. It takes place Sunday, Feb. 11.
The Edison Festival of Light Parade is the largest night parade in Southwest Florida. It begins at Fort Myers High School and travels up Cleveland Avenue, onto Main Street, Hendry Street, Edwards Drive, Jackson Street and finishes on Second Street in downtown.
Spectators can grab street seats on Edwards Drive by donating to the Boy Scouts of America or the American Red Cross. Purchased seating will be set up after 3 p.m. the day of the parade, signs with your group names will be posted and chairs will be lined up with perfect viewing of the festivities. Street seats can be purchased online at edisonfestival.org/street-seats.
“Edison’s birthday is Feb. 11, so it is a month long of events with the grand parade happening in the middle. We get about 75 floats and about 200,000 spectators each year. It is two hours long and hits downtown around 7:30 p.m. The parade is filled with marching bands, law enforcement and every float must have a form of entertainment and lights,” said Burks.
Sheriff Carmine Marceno and his team from the Lee County Sheriff ’s Office will cruise in the annual parade. Members of the sheriff ’s office will toss LCSO swag from their custom float.
“We like to keep our giveaways a secret until the night of the parade,” teased Sarah Rodriguez from LCSO public affairs.
LCSO is excited to showcase its parade vehicle along with other technology such as the Robo Dog and SWAT Special Operations vehicle and Marine Unit.
“It is important to be involved with our community,” said Rodriguez. “We will have about 45 of our staff on the float and others within the parade on foot or helping with traffic control. We will have about 125 total members from our team out there.”
“This event brings the entire SWFL community together to participate in an event to commemorate the life of Thomas Edison and his contributions to society as a whole,” said Marceno. “This event, in particular (the parade), has grown in size throughout the years and is a great way to for community members, local businesses, first responders, schools, and more to gather for a night of positivity, family fun and celebration here in the city of Fort Myers.”
Also joining the annual parade are 17 different marching bands, plus the Araba Shrine of Fort Myers and other fun entertainment, including clowns and dancing.
“My current expected lineup is 15 local high school bands plus two out-of-towners, both of which are adult groups of all ages of high school band alumni. The Awesome Original Second Timers is a group of high school band alumni from various areas and schools. They are based in St. Petersburg and have been here twice before. The Edison Alumni band is made up of alumni of Thomas Edison High in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and this is their first time here,” said Ian Mann, manager of bands for the Edison Festival Parade.
“It is battle of the bands. They compete with each other and a lot of fun to watch,” added Burks.
Tickets to the VIP tent are also available for purchase. This exclusive experience is from 5:30 p.m. until the end of the parade. VIP includes food and drinks, music from DJs, and the best viewing of the parade. Adult tickets are priced at $60, and children’s tickets are $30.
Other happenings within the month include a Classic and Antique Car Show, Junior Fun Run, 5K Run, and the Thomas Alva Edison Kiwanis Science and Engineering Fair and STEMtastic Day of Discovery. The Edison Garden Festival is Feb 10-11, with gardening vendors attending from throughout the state. The Mutt Strutt is a dog-lovers’ parade with dachshund races, pet-friendly vendors and dog costumes activities.
“We also have the junior parade on Feb. 11 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. It is Florida’s largest youth parade. This is more of a walking parade and great for families and business to get involved with. We crown the junior king and queen afterwards at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center,” said Burks.
The Junior Parade has 35 units entered plus 10 bands. ¦
