FORT MYERS - FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS PARADE

Thursday, February 19th to Saturday, February 21st, 2015

Day 199-201
Miles Traveled: 0
Total Miles Traveled: 2644



  Thursday morning Angie was able to get laundry done while Dan started to change the fuel filters.  While waiting for the clothes to dry, we took a quick walk to the farmers market.  It was a chilly day and the wind built up to over 25 mph.  By the afternoon, the Seahorse had become a rockin' carnival ride.  We were glad we were tied to the dock and not cruising.  We made the most of the day and watched a couple of movies.  Those venturing off of their boats would had to have worn foul weather gear to stay dry. 
  Here is a video of the waves crashing over the dock and onto the back of "Seahorse".  Notice the water spray spots on the glass door.  The video was taken inside the boat so as not to get the camera lens wet.    

  Friday Dan completed his task of changing the fuel filters.  It only required two walking trips to the Fort Myers Yacht Basin to dispose of the old diesel lost during the exchange.  Fortunately, the day was warmer with less wind.  That evening we went to dinner at Fabio's in North Fort Myers with Robert & Susan aboard "Ellie 'C' " and Dave & Diane aboard "Opus V".  It was a very enjoyable evening with the added bonus of enough leftovers for two more meals.


  Saturday was a beautiful sunny and warm day in Fort Myers - perfect weather for an outdoor craft show and evening parade.  This whole month of February there have been a lot of festivities celebrating Thomas Edison's Birthday.  The Edison Festival of Lights Parade is the Grand Finale.  This parade is one of the largest night parades in the Southeast.  There were over 140 units participating with a duration of a little over two hours.  Just prior to the parade was a fantastic fireworks show.  We enjoyed watching the color explode over the surrounding palm trees.

Fireworks before the parade

  The parade started with police cars and fire trucks from all the surrounding areas.  Hopefully there was not a fire anywhere nearby because it seemed like all of the trucks were in the parade. 

line of firetrucks in the parade

  There were many floats with children aboard.  Given the duration of the parade, some of the children had trouble staying awake.  Check out the boy on the front of the Junior Royalty float.  We were not sure how he stayed on his chair. 

Junior Royalty float

  This parade had everything - from bagpipes to bands and cars to boats.  And, all were lit up with lights. 

Bagpipes - with lights

No parade is complete without the tiny Shriner's cars

Boat float

Another boat float

Happy Birthday Mr. Edison!

Light bulb balloon - check it out Macy's