Below is an overview of the events for the 2008 Festival - We are now in the process of updating for the 2009 events!

Founded in 1938 as a celebration to commemorate Thomas Edison's life of achievement, the Edison Festival of Light has grown to become one of the largest annual celebrations in the State of Florida.

Our 2009 Celebrations begin on Saturday, January 31st with the 52nd Thomas Alva Edison Kiwanis Science & Engineering Fair presented by Florida Power & Light. 

Join us on Saturday, February 14th for Edison's Light Up the Town Celebration. Formerly known as the Block Party, this exceptional event features continuous musical entertainment including national acts and regional bands throughout the day along the Caloosahatchee River in Centennial Park.

On Sunday, February 15th, guests are invited to the join the celebrations at the Festival's annual Junior Run, Junior Parade and Coronation. This special day begins with races for school age children with staggered starts for different age groups. Fifth graders run a mile; fourth-graders run three-quarters of a mile, with the youngest participants running 50 yards. Immediately following the Junior Run at 2:30 pm, one of Fort Myers most anticipated family events takes place; the Junior Parade. A mini-version of the Grand Parade with no age limit for participation,  This special day of celebration closes with the Junior Coronation and Awards Ceremonies where parade participant winners are announced as are a Junior King and Queen.

The final weekend of the Festival opens with the presentation of Crafts on the River, a large crafters extravaganza featuring quilts, paintings, ceramics, jewelry, pottery, flags, stained glass and much more!!

The Festival's 5K Race is presented prior to the largest Night Parade in Southwest Florida, with over 1,400 runners from across North America racing the streets of Downtown Fort Myers through a cheering crowd of onlookers.

From 5 - 9 pm, the Edison Festival of Light Stadium and Fireworks Show is presented at the Fort Myers Stadium, attending guests enjoy the best seats in the town to view the Grande Parade.

Join an estimated crowd of over 250,000 guests who annually attend the Edison Festival of Light Grand Parade to view the Largest Evening Parade in the Southeast. This exceptional two-hour extravaganza of color and pageantry features some of Florida's top marching bands, floats, dance troupes and drill teams. 

Please visit The Edison Festival of Light web-sight frequently as we are continually updating information about the 71st celebration..