Edison Festival of Light: Junior Parade Feb. 9, Grand Parade Feb. 15

The annual Edison Festival
of Light runs Feb. 8 – 16 at various locations in Fort Myers. Feb. 8 includes
Day of Discovery at the Lee County Public Education Center, Mutt Strutt
(downtown noon – 4 pm), Food Trucks & Craft Beer
(downtown noon – 7 pm).

The Junior activities on Feb. 9 are all downtown. The Jr.
Fun Run starts at noon at First and Lee streets, the junior parade starts at
2:30 p.m. and the Junior Court coronation and awards start at 4:30 pm. at the
Davis Art Center. The Junior Parade starts at First and Heitman, turns right on Monroe, left on Second,
left on Hendry, right on First and a left on Lee Street.

Crafts on the River takes place Feb. 15 and 16 in the Second
Street parking lot. The 5K Run is on Feb. 15 (at Campo Felice), and the car
show is on Feb. 16.

On Saturday, Feb. 15, people from all over the world will be
lining the streets along US 41 and throughout the downtown River District to
watch the biggest night parade in the Southeast. People have been watching the
Edison Festival of Light Grand Parade for more than 80 years. Some have had the
same family spot for decades and mark their spots well in advance. The grand
parade starts at Fort Myers High School at 7 p.m. and heads downtown.

A few favorite viewing spots will change due to a new route
to accommodate the construction for the newest downtown hotel. Some of those
spots have already been marked off along Monroe Street. Marking your spot for
the Edison Festival of Light Grand Parade?

• DO NOT plan to sit on Monroe Street or Edwards Drive in
front of Harborside Event Center.

• Instead, mark your spot on Main Street or Hendry.

• Or find a prime spot on US 41 between Lions Park and MLK.

• Additional reserved seats can be purchased from non-profit
groups along the parade route. You can just show up on parade day and your spot
and chair will be waiting.

For more about Edison Festival of Light, visit online at www.edisonfestival.org or call 239-334-2999.