Photos: City of Edina/Jennifer Bennerotte
The Fourth of July parade is returning to Edina, bringing one of the community’s most beloved traditions back for another year of red, white and blue celebration. “It’s the biggest party of the year,” says parade task force chair Mary Brindle. “Everyone can expect an hour of fun.”
The parade kicks off at 10 a.m. on July 4, traveling from City Hall to Halifax Avenue along Eden Avenue and West 50th Street. The event features approximately 80–90 parade units, including community groups, first responders, floats, horses, marching bands, musical entertainment, sponsors and veterans. “We always begin with our first responders, and soon after that we have veterans marching and riding along as well,” Brindle says. “We would love for everyone to stand, salute and wave to them.”
This year’s celebration arrives as the United States celebrates its 250th birthday, also known as the semiquincentennial. The parade will be “wrapped around” this theme, according to Brindle. The parade itself will celebrate its 38th birthday, dating back to 1988. Since its establishment, it has grown into the adored community event it is today. “We start seeing blankets and chairs three, four, even five days before the parade,” Brindle says. “It just shows how much people are looking forward to it.”
