Edison & Ford Winter Estates has events galore this holiday season

FLORIDA WEEKY PHOTO CAROL ORR HARTMAN John Kyle Shoemaker decorates a Christmas tree at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates last week in preparation for the opening the Holiday House this Friday, Nov. 30. The Edison & Ford Winter Estates offers a variety of programs, classes, and events throughout the month of December.

. Holiday House at the Estates 2007, Nov. 30 through Dec. 30 from 5:30 p.m. to 9.

Holiday House at the Estates has been a Southwest Florida tradition for 32 years. The event attracts thousands of visitors annually to view the lights and seasonal decorations that fill 20 acres of gardens, the recently restored Edison buildings and the Estates historic homes.

Nightly musical performances by students and organizations begin at 6 p.m. and are free to the public. The Estates Museum and the Edison Botanic Research Lab will be open every evening, as well as the Creative Cottage featuring art on exhibit for sale by Southwest Florida artists and craftsman. Tickets are available at the ticket counter, $15 adults, $1 children. Estates members receive complimentary tickets and discounts on additional tickets. Holiday House is closed Dec. 24 and 25.

. Elderhostel Day of Discovery, Holiday House at the Estates, Dec. 6, 13 and Dec. 20, from 2 to 8 p.m.

Participants will enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of Holiday House as well as insight into the private lives of Edison and Ford. Estates experts will guide visitors through the 20 acres of gardens and newly restored buildings; Estates faculty will present an insightful lecture on the 2007 Holiday House theme, A Trip to the Past, reflecting the many contributions of the inventors who revolutionized travel and transportation; and participants will have time to enjoy the numerous evening programs the Estates offers during Holiday House. Cost of $50 includes dinner. Call (877) 426-8056 to register or the Estates at 334-7419 for more information.

. New Volunteer Orientation, Dec. 11, 10 a.m.

Join Estates staff to learn about the history of the Edison & Ford Winter Estates homes, gardens, and inventions of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. Interested potential volunteers are welcome as well as Estates volunteers.

. Tropical Arrangements for the Holidays, Dec. 12, from 10 a.m. until noon

Join Estates horticulturalist, Debbie Hughes to create timeless holiday arrangements using botanical material from the Estates historical gardens and found objects. The workshop provides tips for holiday decoration as well as design techniques for use throughout the year.

Registration is required. To register call 239-334-7419. A material list will be provided at registration. Estates Members, $30; non-members, $35.

. Home Schoolers: Planes, Trains & Automobiles in the time of Edison & Ford, Dec. 12, from 1 to 3 p.m.

Home schooled students and their parents can enroll in a half day of curriculum that follows the Florida Sunshine objectives for learning.

The programs follow the Lee County mandated program and addresses environmental science, history and reading SOLS. Pre-visit curriculum materials will be mailed to registered families. Registration required. Estates Members $5; non members $15 (one adult, one child) additional $5 per child.

. Wild Wizard Lab Show, Holiday House Special, Dec. 16, 2 p.m.

The Super and Junior Scientists present a series of wild lab experiments exploring some of Mr. Edison's and Mr. Ford's illuminating inventions.

Join the Scientists and explore "sparkling holiday science." Fun for all ages. Estates Members are free, non-members $10 adults, $5 children. Wild Wizard Lab shows are sponsored by the Junior League of Fort Myers.

. Holiday Schedule

The Estates will close at 2 p.m. on Dec. 24 and be closed Dec. 25. Holiday House is open nightly from 5:30 - 9 p.m. thru Dec. 30 (closed Dec. 24 and 25). The Estates will be open Dec. 31 and Jan. 1 from 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

The Estates is open daily from 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. The Estates 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 239-334-7419 or visit the web site at www.efwefla.org.