Lauren Taylor becomes youngest president in history of Edison Festival of Light

Taylor Carpet One, a mainstay of the Edison Festival of Light Grand Parade for more than 20 years, will return to the 2026 lineup with a Taylor family member guiding the region’s signature event.

Lauren Taylor, operations manager at Taylor Carpet One and daughter of owner John Taylor, is serving as president of the 2026 Edison Festival of Light. Widely recognized as the Southeast’s top nighttime parade, the two-hour Grand Parade features dazzling illuminated floats, marching bands and a wide array of community organizations. The festival also includes an antique car show, science and engineering fair, children’s parade, craft fair, 5K run and more.

Prior to accepting the role as president, Lauren Taylor served as a board member for the festival and member of the parade staff. She was one of the first female section marshals in the 88-year-old Grand Parade’s history, and at 34, Taylor is the youngest person to serve as festival president.

The 88th annual Edison Festival of Light takes place from Feb. 13 through Feb. 22, with the Grand Parade slated for a 7 p.m. start on Saturday, Feb. 21 in downtown Fort Myers. The parade has long been a highlight of the festival, attracting both local families and visitors who gather to celebrate Thomas Edison’s impact on the world and the region’s creative spirit. Fort Myers High School coaching legend Sam Sirianni, Jr. will be the parade’s Grand Marshal in 2026. The longtime Green Wave football coach retired in November as half of the only father-son coaching duo in Florida history to each record 100 wins at the same school.

A member of the Taylor family has personally participated in the Grand Parade for more than 60 years, while Taylor Carpet One – which again will enter a float in the Grand Parade – has been part of the Edison Festival of Light for over two decades.