– Thousands of children and their families participated in the annual Edison Festival of Light Junior Parade in downtown Fort Myers, Florida, on . The event, described as Florida’s largest youth parade, featured over 100 units including floats, marching bands, and performers, drawing large crowds to the city’s River District.
The parade, a tradition dating back to the 1940s, is a smaller-scale version of the larger Edison Festival of Light Grand Parade. It provides a platform for young people in Southwest Florida to showcase their creativity and talents, according to organizers.
Spectators lined the streets, cheering on the participants as they made their way through the downtown area. The parade included a diverse range of entries, from elaborately decorated floats to energetic dance troupes and traditional marching bands. The event’s longstanding appeal lies in its focus on “old-fashioned family fun,” offering a community-centered experience for both those participating and those watching.
The Edison Festival of Light is an annual event celebrating the legacy of Thomas Alva Edison, who spent significant time in Fort Myers and the surrounding area. Edison and his wife, Mina, established a winter estate in Fort Myers in 1886, which now serves as a historical landmark and a key component of the festival. The festival as a whole encompasses a series of events held throughout February, commemorating Edison’s contributions to science and technology.
This year’s festival includes a variety of events beyond the Junior Parade, including Mrs. Edison’s Hymn Sing, an Antique Car Show, a celebration of Edison’s birthday, and the Regional Inventors Fair. The Inventors Fair, held on , recognizes young inventors in grades K-12 for their problem-solving skills. The Thomas Alva Edison Kiwanis Science & Engineering Fair, also held on , challenges students across Southwest Florida to engage in independent research projects.
The Junior Parade took place a day before the Junior Coronation & Awards ceremony, scheduled for , at the Sidney & Berne Davis Art Center. This event will recognize the achievements of participants in the Junior Parade and other youth-focused activities within the festival.
The Edison Festival of Light also incorporates events catering to broader interests, such as the Spring Garden Festival and STEMtastic Day of Discovery. The Spring Garden Festival, held on , featured nearly 100 garden vendors offering a variety of plants. STEMtastic Day of Discovery, also on , aims to inspire children and families through interactive experiences in science, technology, engineering, math, and the arts.
The festival’s continued success relies on community involvement and sponsorship. Events like Mrs. Edison’s Hymn Sing are sponsored by local businesses, with proceeds often benefiting local charities such as The Soup Kitchen at Community Cooperative. The festival’s organizers emphasize the importance of giving back to the community and fostering a spirit of collaboration.
The Edison Festival of Light serves not only as a celebration of a historical figure but also as a showcase for the region’s youth and a catalyst for community engagement. The Junior Parade, in particular, embodies the festival’s commitment to fostering creativity, talent, and a sense of shared identity among the residents of Southwest Florida. The event’s enduring popularity suggests its continued relevance as a cultural touchstone for the region.
The 2026 edition of the Junior Parade, as documented by USA Today and The News-Press, appears to have been well-attended and enthusiastically received, continuing a decades-long tradition of family-friendly entertainment and community spirit in Fort Myers.
