Saturday, February 16, Fort Myers

This morning was clear & 14C. Went for a 1.5km walk around the park.
At 9:45, we were off to Fort Myers to check out the Chamber of Commerce for ideas of things to see. On arrival, we found most of the parking meters are covered, with "No Parking" signs. Next, we found the Chamber is closed Saturday & Sunday! There is a lot of activity in the park with vendors set up. for the '75th Anniversary Edison Festival of Light'. It is an annual 3 week celebration held around the time of Edison's birthday, February 11. Centennial Park is transformed into a craft lovers dream with 100 exhibitors displaying their hand-crafts during the three-day Edison Festival event.

Although he lived in New England most of his lifetime, In 1885, Thomas Alva Edison built his winter home in Fort Myers, Florida on the Caloosahatchee River. Throughout the 50 years Edison wintered in Fort Myers, he dedicated time in support of local charities and projects. He died in 1931, having successfully received over 1,000 patents for his inventions.

Thomas Edison believed in giving back to the community. His contributions and character hold an unequaled meaning for Southwest Florida and the Edison Festival of Light has become the premier winter event to celebrate his life. Coming upon this was a surprise to us as we enjoyed walking around the vendors.

There was entertainment on the stage, so we watched the Bayshore Cloggers, a dancing/clogging team of 33 students. They were great as they performed for 30 minutes straight. The have an average of 30 performances a year, plus participate in 6 parades.

 

 

 

 

 

 

From there, we went to the Edison & Ford Winter Estates. The gardens are gorgeous, with many flowers, including this Hedge Bouganvillia in full bloom! 

 

We walked around the gardens, which were free, but before we bought our tickets, my camera battery died. Rather than take a chance of not getting any pics, we decided to return tomorrow morning. It was very busy today!

 

 

On the way back to the park, we stopped at The Shell Factory. For over 75 years, the Shell Factory delighted visitore with over 5 million shells and over 18 acres of shopping, displays and entertainment. Shells, things made from shells, and shell collections, you'll find it all at The Shell Factory, a north Fort Myers landmark, which boasts the largest collection of rare sea shells, sponges, coral, fossils and sea life specimens. This is truly a unique Florida shopping experience where you will find gifts from every exotic shore, wildlife exhibits, aquariums, and alligators.

Unique is an understatement. It is a huge, cheesy tourist stop. Glad admission was free!

 

Then it was back to the park to prepare for an unseasonably cold night! 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

From hThe Bayshore dance/clogging team began in 1986. Here we are 26 years later and still going strong. The team is made up of 33 students. We have an average of 30 performances a year plus participation in 6 parades and at the county fair. We even danced for the Prince of Monaco in 2011!e Bayshore dance/clogging team began in 1986. Here we are 26 years later and still going strong. The team is made up of 33 students. We have an average of 30 performances a year plus participation in 6 parades and at the county fair. We even danced for the Prince of Monaco in 2011!