Eight-five years and counting.
That’s how many years now there’s been a big celebration in Fort Myers to celebrate the life of Thomas Edison. It was in 1938 when the idea of a celebration to commemorate Edison’s life of achievement evolved into the Edison Pageant of Light with a Coronation Ball, a parade, a band concert and a memorial service.
This Saturday (Feb. 17) will be the next edition of the popular parade in Fort Myers and downtown Fort Myers.
The historic photos in the gallery at the top of this page from the state archives of Florida depict a much different time and place. But even all of those years ago (1947 and 1961), and even in black and white, there’s a noticeable sense of pride and excitement.