Music Walk: An Attraction for the Elderly?

Lee County, Florida -- The Fort Myers Music Walk is heating up as visitors from the north leave their cold weather behind to enjoy the festivities of Lee County. The Music Walk takes place every third Friday of each month and has a varying presence of participants. However, the crowd's diversity in age isn't as diverse as you would expect.

Vendor sells popcorn during Music Fest. Photo: Lex Rodriguez

Performers, attractions and even a popcorn machine line alongside First Street and surrounding roads in the River District of Downtown Fort Myers. The event is free to the public, however, unless it is peak season the streets aren’t too crowded. Peak season typically takes place from February to May when snowbirds (retirees or families on vacation) leave their northern homes to enjoy the warmer climate that Florida has to offer. While the event is a great source of entertainment it can serve much more than a Friday out on the town.

Nancy Ladd, a resident of Fort Myers, has enjoyed the Music Walk just about every third Friday with her family for the last three years, she said.

"It's definitely more crowded now that we are in season," Ladd said. "I love live music and we love being outside. It's one of our family's favorite things of Florida."

Madeline Ladd joins classmate in impromptu duo at Fort Myers Music Fest. Photo: Lex Rodriguez

Ladd and her family stopped to watch her daughter, Madeline, join a classmate and perform Ed Sheeran's "Thinking Out Loud."

"She goes to a school for performing arts so we have been trying to encourage her to do this," Ladd said. "Any time she sings I really enjoy it."

Donald Pietrzyk said he visits the Music Walk rarely, but the demographic of attendees is consistent.

"It's clear that the more jazzy performers gain a bigger crowd from older people." Pietrzyk said. "There are younger performers playing my generation of music, but people tend to just walk by or form smaller crowds near them. It would be nice to see more people my age come out and enjoy this event."

The Music Walk begins at 6 PM and runs until 10 PM and offers a wide array of music from Jazz and Blues to Rock and Roll for all ages to enjoy. For more information on the Fort Myers Music Walk you can visit the River District Alliance.

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