September 13, 2010 - Edison & Ford Holiday Nights 2010

FORT MYERS, FL (September 13, 2010) Spend the holidays with one of southwest Florida's holiday traditions, the 35th 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 of 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 planting that fill the gardens. Visitors will have the option of a self guided tour or guided tour (6:30pm and 7:30pm). Guided tours include the historic homes, gardens, lab and museum with an historic site interpreter and are available on 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 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 5:30pm - 9:00pm. the event also included 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 Cafe 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 5pm-7pm 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. 

The estates is open daily from 9:00am-5:30pm. the Estates is the winner of the 2009 National Stewardship Award from the National Trust for Historic Preservation and is an official project of "Save America's Treasures" at the National Trust for Historic Preservation, a Florida Historic Landmark and a National Register Historic Site. For additional information call 239-334-7491 or visit the web site at www.efwefla.org.