Edison’s Black Maria Film Festival set April 3
April at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates is highlighted with the return of the Thomas Edison Black Maria Film Festival, the first Estates Tropical Florida Bridal Fair, and An Incandescent Evening as well as a variety of special exhibits, children and adult programs, throughout the month of April.
The April schedule of programs and events include:
Black Maria Film Festival, April 3, Edison Ford Winter Estates, 7:30 p.m.; April 4, Edison State College, 7:30 p.m.; April 6, Big Arts, Sanibel Island, 7 p.m.
The Edison & Ford Winter Estates, Edison State College and Big Arts, Sanibel Island will host the Thomas Edison Black Maria Film Festival in Florida for a third season since the Festival began its national tour in 1981. The Festival has the added attraction of being shown outdoors in the gardens of the Estates as well as indoors in the newly renovated
auditorium in the Richard H. Rush Library at Edison State College and the Schein Performance Hall at Big Arts, Sanibel Island. Tickets may be bought in advance at the Estates, 2350 McGregor Blvd., and Big Arts, 900 Dunlop Road, Sanibel Island. The cost is $7 per evening for adults, $5 for students. Tickets for all three nights can be purchased at a discounted rate of $15. Estates Members are free on April 3 and Edison State College students are free on April 4. Seating is limited.
Mimi’s & Mina’s Manners at the Estates, April 4, 11 AM – 1 p.m. Mimi’s & Mina’s manners class teaches children proper introduction, handshakes and dining etiquette during a three-course meal. The classes
will be taught by etiquette expert Suzanne Willis who has been teaching similar classes throughout the nation. Registration is required. Cost: Estates Members $40; non members $50.
Estates Tropical Florida Bridal Fair, April 5, 1 – 5 p.m. The first Estates Tropical Florida Bridal Fair will be held on the grounds of the Ford Estate, Southwest Florida’s premier wedding location. With breathtaking water views, historic gardens and
romantic sunsets the Estates is a perfect location for your special day.
More than 40 wedding professionals will be available to assist you as well as a bridal fashion show, dancing demonstrations, catering showcase and
much more. Cost: $5, free to brides.
New Volunteer Orientation, April 14, 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.
Home Schoolers: “Movie Making Magic” April 17, 1 p.m. – 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 program follows 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.
Annual Incandescent Evening, April 17, 6 – 9 p.m.
Join the Edison & Ford Winter Estates Board of Trustees, Edison Ford Winter Estates Foundation, and Charles Edison Fund for an extraordinary evening of grace and charm as the recently completed Ford Estate will be unveiled. Dine al fresco in the Estates historic gardens, enjoy music performances and dance band as well as a breathtaking sunset along the Caloosahatchee River. Estates Members $40, non member $50. For reservations call 239-334-7419.
Free Community Event – An Incandescent Evening, April 18, 5 – 8 p.m. The Estates celebrates the completion of almost $2 million in restoration and improvements to the historic Ford Home with a free
admission community celebration. Tickets are limited and may be picked up at the Edison & Ford Winter Estates, Galloway Ford in Fort Myers and Coconut Point Ford in Estero.
Wild Wizard’s Lab Show “Movie Making Magic,” April 19, 2 p.m. From the nickelodeon to the IMAX, join the Estates Wild Wizards and explore movie production and special effects. Fun for all ages. Estates members free, non members $12 adults, $6 children.
Docent Training, April 23, 9 a.m. Estates volunteers and potential volunteers who are interested in becoming Edison & Ford porch, Lab and Museum docents, or leading a group tour of the Estates grounds must attend this mandatory meeting.
Mina Edison Teas, Wednesdays in May, 2 p.m. seating. Reservations are being taken for teas in the newly restored Edison Gardens and Caretaker’s House. Groups may schedule other dates and
special programs. Cost: Estates members $30, non members $35.
The Estates is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. You can visit the website at: www.efwefla.org.