Edison & Ford Holiday Nights: December 9 – January 1

Spend the holidays with one of Southwest Florida’s holiday traditions, the 35^th annual Edison & Ford Holiday Nights at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates in Fort Myers.  Edison & Ford Holiday Nights attracts visitors from throughout the world annually to view the lights and seasonal decorations that fill 20 acres of gardens, and the recently restored Edison and Ford historic homes. 
 
The theme for Edison & Ford Holiday Nights has always been a combination of historical decorations amidst the orchids, exotic trees and plantings that fill the gardens.  Visitors will have the option of a self guided tour or guided tour (6:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.).  Guided tours include the historic homes, gardens, lab and museum with an historic site interpreter and are available on a first come, first serve basis.  
 
This year there will be events including the artist and craftsmen exhibits and appearances in the “Creative Cottage” as well as book signings and demonstrations located in the Edison Caretaker’s House;  nightly entertainment by local school and community groups; Santa visits; Horse and Wagon Rides; and a “Children’s Tree Trail.”  The “Trail” will be a veritable forest of lighted trees with handmade ornaments from Lee County students and is FREE to the public. 
 
During the holidays the homes of Thomas and Mina Edison and Henry and Clara Ford will be open nightly from 5:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m. The event also includes special exhibitions, nightly performances of dance, instrumental and choral music (by area groups and schools) and holiday items in the “Creative Cottage”, Museum Store, Garden Shoppe and the historic Ford Cottage Shoppe.  The Estates Museum and Edison’s Lab will be open nightly as well as the Estates Banyan Café for refreshments.  Tickets for a self guided tour are $15 for adults and $1 for children (6-12); guided tours are $20 for adults and $11 for children (6-12).  Groups may schedule guided or unguided tours from 5 p.m. – 7 p.m. and will receive discounted group rates.  In addition, the Estates will be offering Lee County residents special “hometown discounts” on December 9, 10, 11, 12, 2010.

NEW Horse & Wagon Tours of Historic Downtown Fort Myers

Edison & Ford Winter Estates Open Easter Sunday
Canned Food Drive – April 2, 3, 4
NEW Horse & Wagon Tours of Historic Downtown Fort Myers 

The Edison & Ford Winter Estates located at 2350 McGregor Boulevard, will be open Easter Sunday, April 4, 2010 from 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM.  Tickets are available until 4:30 PM for self guided tours.  Estates members are admitted free and there are several reciprocal admission programs. 

In addition, Estates members, staff and visitors are encouraged to make canned food donations to support the Community Cooperative Ministries (CCMI) www.ccmileecounty.com in Fort Myers.  Visitors to the Estates throughout the weekend will receive a $1 off an Estates admission ticket (up to $4) for every can of food they donate.  CCMI has been providing food to the homeless, nearly homeless, homebound, seniors and children for 26 years in Lee County.

Easter weekend also kicks-off the Estates newest program, Horse & Wagon Tours of Historic Downtown Fort Myers.  On Wednesday, March 31 – Saturday, April 3 at 11 AM and 2 PM visitors can enjoy a horse and wagon tour that begins at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates and countinues along the Caloosahatchee River through downtown Fort Myers.  The tour is approximately one hour and is $10 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under.  The Horse & Wagon Tours will continue to run weekly Wednesday – Saturday at 11 AM and 2 PM throughout the summer.  Tour tickets can be purchased at the Estates ticket office.