Edison Festival of Light kicks off with four big events Saturday

The Edison Festival of Light is the largest festival in Southwest Florida and kicks off Saturday with four big events.

Edison Garden Festival

Saturday and Sunday, 9:00 a.m – 4:00 p.m. – Edison & Ford Winter Estates – Dozens of garden vendors from around the state are on hand for your shopping pleasure, as well as music, food and activities for the kids.

STEMtastic Day of Discovery

Saturday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. – Public Education Building (2855 Colonial Blvd) – The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools, the Lee County School District, and FPL partner with the Edison Festival of Light to bring an award-winning showcase of STEM-related exhibits, stage performances, and outdoor Ed-ventures! It’s all free!! Here are some things you might see!

• Underwater robotics, drones, hover crafts
• Helicopters, fire trucks, bomb squad, telescopes, hybrid bucket truck
• Food trucks, entertainment and demonstrations

Mutt Strutt

Saturday, Noon – 4:00 p.m. – Downtown, Edwards & Hendry – Sure to get your tail wagging! Partnering with the Gulfcoast Humane Society these costumed pooches and their best friends will parade and promote pet-related information. Spectators get in free!

• Law enforcement K-9 demos
• Derby of Light (Wiener Dog Races)
• Dog parade featuring look-alike and Mayor’s Awards

Food Trucks & Craft Beer

Saturday, Noon – 6:00 p.m. – Downtown, Edwards Drive – Unique food trucks will provide the fare, and Suncoast Beverages will provide the craft beer! All you need to do is show up. Bring a chair or a blanket! Spectators get in free!

• Special brews and ciders
• More than half a dozen food trucks

MORE: Edison Festival of Light Grand Parade route changes

SUNDAY

Junior Fun Run

Sunday, Registration begins at 10:30 a.m. and Races are held from Noon – 2 p.m. – First Street in the downtown River District, starting and ending at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center. Kids of all ages take to the brick streets and everyone’s a winner!

Junior Parade (See new parade route below)

Sunday 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. – Downtown River District, beginning at Centennial Park and ending on Edwards Drive (see attached map for NEW route). The Junior Parade features strollers, bikes, wagons, floats, clowns, many marching bands, and more! Years ago, the parade was held on a Wednesday afternoon and schools closed so children could participate. Now, there’s no better way to spend a Sunday afternoon!

Junior Coronation & Awards

Sunday 4:30 p.m. (or when the parade ends) – Sydney & Berne Davis Art Center. Everyone gathers at the SBDAC to crown the new Junior King and Queen. Parade participants are on the edge of their seats to see who wins awards and who is invited to join the Grand Parade of Light on February 16.