5 Ways To Recognize Random Acts Of Kindness Day In Southwest Florida

The calendar is full of "National (fill in the blank) Days. Saturday is another one. However, it is not celebrating a food, beverage, heritage, health,  or cause. Here are 5 ways to recognize Random Acts Of Kindness Day in Southwest Florida. I like to think Floridians are a kind bunch. Then I hop on I-75 in Bonita Springs or US41 in Naples or the Cape Coral Bridge at rush hour and all bets are off. Florida ranks right in the middle of the kindness meter according to a national survey.

The folks at onlinecasinos.com put together a list of questions inspired by the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation and posed them to 3,000 Americans. Next, they came up with a scoring system and applied it to each each data point. Finally, they created this kindness index based on the results. Questions surrounded things such as lending money to a friend/family member, helping a neighbor, sending flowers to a friend, donating an organ and volunteering, among other things.

The whole concept can be compared to "paying it forward." You do something nice for someone and it makes them feel good. In turn, they do something nice for someone and the kindness stream keeps flowing. The best part is, it makes you feel good too.

Hold a door. This is the easiest thing to do for another person. When you walk in a building, turn to see who is behind you or help someone in front who is struggling. It's kind and courteous.

Pick up a tab. If you have a few extra dollars this is a good one to do in a drive-thru. Tell the cashier when you pick up your food or coffee that you want to pay for the car behind you. You don't have to pay the entire tab, maybe just their coffee. Do you know how cool it is to pull up to the window and be told "It's free for you today"?

Bring in trash cans. When you get home from work, are your neighbors trash cans still by the road? Why not roll them up the driveway.

Drop off food. If you are cooking this weekend, make a little extra. Wrap it up and give to an elderly friend or neighbor, or a friend who has been under the weather.

Write a note. Put a sticky not on someone's mirror, telling them they look great. Or on someone's desk telling them they do a great job. Maybe, buy a funny card and send it to someone you haven't seen or spoken to in a while.

The sky is the limit here. The key is do these acts with zero expectations. Do them unconditionally. You never know what difference your small little act of kindness can make in a person's day.

This week was action packed with Mardi Gras celebrations and Valentine's Day. In addition, Boston Red Sox and Minnesota Twins baseball pitchers and catchers reported for spring training in Fort Myers. Football is in the rearview mirror and it's officially full steam ahead to baseball season. All that being said, the annual Edison Festival tops things to do this weekend in Southwest Florida. Find out more right here in the latest edition of Weekend Vibes.

The Edison Festival of Light has a whopping 86 year tradition in Fort Myers. The three week festival comes to a close Saturday with the Grand Parade of Light. It's the biggest nighttime parade in the Southeast and the longest running annual parade in Southwest Florida. People have been taping off spots on the sidewalks and putting out chairs to reserve their spots along the parade route. You can also reserve seats in the Fort Myers High School Stadium. In addition, the Boy Scouts of Troop 761 are once again partnering with the Edison Festival of Light to offer Street Seats.

Another longstanding Fort Myers event takes place this weekend. The Greek Festival features all kinds of Greek food, entertainment and carnival rides. Tuesday was Mardi Gras and there were celebrations all over Southwest Florida. However, not everyone got enough of the King Cakes and beads. There are a few more celebrations this weekend.

Finally, if you have any upcoming events that you would like to share, please send them here. Here are your Weekend Vibes for February 16th through the 18th. Get out, support local and have lots of fun at these events.

*Please note, events are subject to change. It never hurts to confirm with a phone call or check of social media as well as event websites.

The big parade is Saturday through the streets of downtown Fort Myers including US41. It begins with a 5K race along the route at 5pm. The parade steps off at 7 from Fort Myers High School and travels down 41 before heading through downtown. Seats can be reserved in the stadium and through the Boy Scouts starting at $10. Click here to find some.  To see the entire parade route, click here. It lasts for more than two  hours and typically ends with fireworks.

There are all kinds of activities surrounding the Edison Festival. This is the last weekend to get in on the fun. This is huge arts and crafts fair that takes place downtown Fort Myers in Centennial Park. The show is Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 3pm. Free. More info here.

This is a great annual party. Celebrate all things Greek with lots of food, dancing, live music and vendors. In addition, there is a carnival midway with rides and games. The fun begins at 11am Friday and goes until 11pm. Same hours for Saturday. It closes Sunday at 7pm, It's at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church on Cypress Lake Drive. $5. More info here. 

This festival kicks off Friday at 4pm and goes to 10pm. The celebration continues on Saturday (11am-10pm) and Sunday (11am-6pm) with all kinds of seafood and a big line-up of live music. If you are not a seafood person, other options will be available. The party is on Crescent Loop at the ranch. Free. More info here.

It's time for another Trolley Event in downtown Cape Coral. This one keeps the Mardi Gras party going a little longer. Grab your beads and masks and hop on the trolley for visits to 8 bars and restaurants in South Cape. Each will have drinks and some appetizers to try along the way. It runs from 7-11pm Saturday. $30 in advance. DD's $25. More info here.

This weekend is your last chance to check out this big fair. This was originally scheduled for December for the holidays but was postponed. For animal lovers enjoy Cow Town, Racing Pigs and lots more. In addition, there are plenty of rides, shows, and all kinds of food. The fair runs through the 18th. More info here.

This is a super popular, annual show. The parking lot at Coconut Point Mall on U.S. 41 in Estero is transformed with the tents of more than 200 artists. You'll find all kinds of unique works and gifts. When you're done you can enjoy more shopping at the mall as well as food. The show rums from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. both Saturday and Sunday. Free. More info here. 

This art show has been taking place for 52 years and is back. However, it is in a new location. The island is still recovering from Hurricane Ian damage so this year's show is taking place at the North Fort Myers Recreation Center. This show features the work of all local artists. More than 100 are expected to be there with their unique works. The show is Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Free. More info here.