A huge thank you to Katie Aafedt, Rebecca Sorensen, and Andy Matysik for organizing and hosting the first Edina Community Foundation "Backyard Bash." This evening of casual fun, food, and music was a new celebration created by these three ECF Board members to strengthen the connection between the Foundation and the parade. 

"Everyone loves the Edina Parade...it's the ultimate community celebration. But not everyone knows that the Edina Community Foundation is behind the parade. As new Board members, we wanted to organize an event that celebrated the parade and connected it to the great work of the Foundation." 

                                                                                  - Rebecca Sorensen

Katie, Rebecca, and Andy all joined the ECF Board two years ago and together envisioned a relaxed event with food and music. Katie and her husband hosted the event at their beautiful home. Rebecca arranged for a popular food truck and provided festive beverages. Andy recruited his all Edina-native band Medium Rustic to provide the music for a rockin' good night. 

In addition to highlighting the link between the Foundation and the parade, the event raised $10,000 (with the help of a generous anonymous matching donation) to support the Parade and other important ECF programs. 

The bash was an excellent kick off for the ultimate community celebration--the Edina 4th of July Parade!

The Edina 4th of July Parade is a wonderful community celebration that gives Edina residents the opportunity to come together to celebrate the summer holiday in a fun and family-friendly way. For many Edina families, the Parade is a summer highlight and a treasured opportunity to create long-lasting memories with family and friends. 

ECF is grateful to US Bank and Lunds & Byerlys for their continued generosity in supporting the Parade as Presenting Sponsors. 

   

This year's Parade was co-chaired by John Swon and Tom Gump. John Swon has served as chair since 2013 and "retired" after this year's event. Tom Gump is the most recent past president of the Edina Morningside Rotary Club and is an ECF Board member. Tom is actively recruiting volunteers for the 2018 Parade committee. If you are looking for a way to get involved in the Edina community, consider joining Tom on his committee.

The 2017 Parade theme was Honoring Education in Edina. Retiring Superintendent Ric Dressen and Edina High School Principal Bruce Locklear served as co-Grand Marshals for the celebration.

It is no secret that the Edina Parade is a great time because it traditionally draws over 25,000 people, with many families claiming their spot in the early morning by laying down blankets and lawn chairs. The almost 30 paid entertainment acts create a big draw and would not be possible without the support from the local Edina business community. 

The entertainers are joined by community and civic groups, sports associations, political organizations, and sponsors. If you are part of an organization that would like to participate in the 2018 parade, visit the Edina Parade website. Registration for the parade usually opens in April and closes at the end of May. 

ECF is tremendously proud of its role and work keeping the Edina 4th of July Parade tradition alive in Edina. As ECF celebrates 40 years of bringing people together to serve, strengthen, and celebrate Edina, we look forward to continuing to organize the Parade for the enjoyment of the Edina community.

For more information on the Edina Parade or if you are interested in serving on the parade committee, please email Karen Contag at [email protected].

Thank you all of our 2017 Parade Sponsors!

Platinum Sponsor

Gold Sponsors

Silver Sponsors

Bronze Sponsors