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Inventor Thomas Alva Edison, one of Fort Myers’ brightest luminaries.

The 72nd annual Edison Festival of Light, held Jan. 30 to Feb. 21, 2010, honors the legacy of one of Fort Myers’ brightest luminaries, inventor extraordinaire Thomas Alva Edison. From its humble beginnings in 1938 to the
three-week extravaganza it has become, the Edison Festival of Light captures the imagination of all who participate.

The festival includes a number of events scheduled around Edison’s birthday, Feb. 11. It kicks off Saturday, Jan. 30, with the 53rd annual Edison Day of Discovery, a science and invention competition for local students held at Harborside Event Center. On that same day, Centennial Park hosts Discovery Village from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., complete with games, presentations and educational exhibits. Following it, at 5:30 p.m. the annual Parade of Beds and Bed Race launch downtown as participants push their decorated and illuminated twin beds toward the finish line.

It’s all about kids on Sunday, Feb. 14, when the Junior Run starts at 1 p.m. ($5 entry fee includes T-shirt and ribbon), followed by the 64th annual Junior Parade and Coronation at 2:30 p.m.

Festivities build to a peak as Crafts on the River opens at Centennial Park on Friday, Feb. 19, at 10 a.m. for a three-day run. More than 100 craftspeople display their paintings, jewelry, quilts, stained glass wares and more. Sunday has been christened Cars & Crafts as 200 classic GM cars line Edwards Drive to benefit the Harry Chapin Food Bank.

On Saturday, the 5K Race and its post-race party at Centennial Park precede the nighttime Grand Parade, a glittery, two-hour event that sets downtown streets aglow and attracts more than 200,000 spectators. VIP tent seating is available for $50 and includes a catered dinner. Attendees can also reserve a street-side chair for $8.50 each.

For more information, call 239-334-2999 or visit www.edisonfestival.org.

Last modified on Feb 24, 2010

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