Edina’s July 4th parade is a highly anticipated and well-loved tradition. When we first saw this Images of Edina photo contest submission in 2019, titled The Night Before the Parade, we loved its representation of gleeful anticipation, like an annual bubbling up of summer excitement. A community preparing to gather. Residents eager to carve out a place to ensure participation in a beloved celebration—a pinnacle moment in summer. This year, the very same photo seems to take on a whole new meaning … a loss of sorts, in how we are used to doing things and seeing more clearly how things really are. But Americans are prone to invention, ingenuity and optimism.
This year Edina will host a virtual parade experience. The dedication and creativity of community leaders, volunteers and residents demonstrates a shared commitment to Independence Day traditions that unify our nation. And so, in the summer of 2020, this photo seems to also represent our continued patience as we anticipate all of the celebrations to come.
Where was the photo taken?
The photo was taken of chairs lining the parade route on West 50th Street between Wooddale Avenue and Bruce Avenue.
What inspired the shot?
We’ve lived in Edina for 17 years, and I have always been fascinated by the chairs and blankets lining the street days before the Edina 4th of July parade. I wanted to capture the anticipation and the vibrant colors of the chairs and blankets.
What’s your favorite thing about this image?
I shot dozens of photos that evening all along West 50th Street, but I liked this one the best because of the layers of color and texture: the white wooden fence, the green hostas, the stone wall and the red, white and blue of the chairs and the pennant banner.
What type of camera do you use?
I use a Nikon D5300, with a Tamron lens.
What types of photos do you regularly shoot?
Photography is a hobby for me, so I am happy anytime I can get out and shoot, even if it is just in my backyard. But I really enjoy when I can dedicate an extended period of time while on vacation shooting landscapes and architecture, it’s very relaxing.
What prompted you to submit your photo to Images of Edina?
I’ve never entered a photography contest before, but when I read about the Edina Magazine contest, I instantly thought about the 4th of July parade and thought if the weather and lighting were right, it would be fun to shoot the night before.
What tips would you offer others considering submitting their photos to contests like ours?
I am a novice photographer, so my tip for others like me is: practice, practice, practice. and take lots of photos
We regularly feature photo submissions from our Images of Edina photo contest in the pages of Edina Magazine and online.
For information about this year’s virtual July 4th parade, go to edinaparade.org/paradenews2020.
