Edison & Ford Winter Estates features programs for all ages

View spectacular sunsets on the grounds of the Edison & Ford Winter Estates during extended viewing hours on Friday evenings. March at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates is highlighted by extended evening hours every Friday for spectacular views of the sunset and guided tours. In addition ,the Estates offer a variety of children and adult programs, special exhibits, and events throughout the month. The March schedule of programs and events include:

• Estates extended hours on Friday evenings and Red Sox game nights,; last guided tour at 6 p.m.

The Estates will extend its evening hours every Friday night in March and nights of Boston Red Sox games. Visitors will enjoy beautiful gardens, river views, spectacular sunsets and the newly restored homes. Estates members free, non-members, adults $20, children $11. Group discounts with reservations.

• Etiquette at the Estates, Mimi's & Mina's Manners - March 7, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Etiquette at the Estates teaches children (ages 6-12) proper introductions, handshakes, and dining etiquette during a three-course meal. The classes are taught by etiquette expert Suzanne Willis, who has been teaching similar classes throughout the nation. Estates members $40; $50 for non-members.

• Volunteer appreciation - March 10, 8:30 a.m.

Estates volunteers will be celebrated at an event that begins with breakfast at the historic Tarpon Lodge on Pine Island followed by a morning at The Randell Research Center. Anthropologist Michael Wilde will give a presentation about early Native Americans and a tour of the site. Afterwards volunteers will be treated to coffee, ice cream and a gallery tour by Leoma Lovegrove of Lovegrove Gallery & Gardens in Matlacha. Registration is required. Event is free to all active Estates volunteers.

• Growing Orchids, March 14, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

The Edisons and Fords collected orchids and planted them throughout the trees of their estates and created "Orchid Lane" along McGregor Boulevard. Today, several hundred orchids flourish throughout the landscape. Join the Estates horticulturist to learn basic orchid care, plant division, insect control and nurturing exotic species of orchids and enjoy a tour of Mina Edison's orchids. Registration is required. Estates members $10, non -members $20.

• Estates Wild Wizard Lab Show "Solid Liquid Gas" - March 15, 2 p.m.

Explore states of matter, the scientific method and properties of air, as the Estates Wild Wizards present hands-on performance science. Participants will create fog, slime and even ride on top of a hovercraft.

Fun for all ages. Estates members free, nonmembers

$12, children $6.

The Estates is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. For additional information, call 334-7419 or visit www.efwefla.org.