A grandfather's love
Ennis bullrider
Rodeo rider praying
The bull wins
I hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July weekend. Like many of you I spent my weekend at a parade, enjoying a burgers off the grill, and spending time with my family. This weekend was especially fun for me since I was able to photograph the Ennis, MT parade as well as that afternoon’s local rodeo. Ennis is located in between Bozeman and West Yellowstone, in the heart of the Madison Valley. Ennis reminds me much of my own hometown, in Michigan, where sports and local politics tend to be the daily staple of many conversations.
Coming from a small daily newspaper background I can tell you, in communities under 10,000 population, it can be hard to fill a daily news hole on a regular basis. That’s why events like the 4th of July in Ennis are a very big deal to these small communities. The town’s population soars and quadruples in size for a few hours while local merchants hedge hopes that this year sales will be better than last. In a struggling economy tourism serves as the one last foothold and competition, like in so many other small communities, is rough. Local towns compete with one another for every last dollar. Local charities like the Lions club sell their fresh grilled burgers and hotdogs. Children sell mason jars filled to the rim with fresh made lemonade to benefit the local teen center. Local politicians walk the streets garnering support for their upcoming election. And the people show up in droves because it feels like genuine Americana, and you can truly feel the pride the people have to be Americans.
In a place where life isn’t always easy, this is a time to celebrate what they have and what they are proud of. They are proud of their land, of their families, their way of life, and of their American flag. Like many small towns throughout the United States, 4th of July means a lot more than just fireworks and candy. It represents an opportunity to come together as a community in celebrating not only the anniversary of the independence of our nation, but to celebrate and be thankful for one another and for the ability to live out their lives in a beautiful, peaceful place.
Here are some fun clips of the parade and rodeo that followed. I hope you enjoy.
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Wonderful shots.. small town living is about quality time.. your lighting and sharpness are amazing.
Thanks Omar…
Just Great work john thanks for sharing I love the bull ride Im sitting here cheering for the guy you did such a good job.
john.. your pictures and story are so very telling and poignant. i too live in a small town in new england, and your comments about celebrating our community and lifestyle are so right on for me here in new boston.i am grateful to be an american living in paradise. even if it has been god awful hot, its not snow. well done on the pics…if you want to see small town new england friend me on fb and check out the fourth in new hampshire…blessed be.
Janet,
Thanks for your kind words. I’ll check you out on FB in the coming week. Take care, John
Nice! I live in a small town and love it… thanks for sharing…
I was looking forward to these, John, yet they are even better than I expected. Great captures. Love your eye.
Mark,
Thanks….means a lot.
Very cool shots. Okay, so I tear up every time I see the Veteran’s carrying the flag and marching in a parade – oh, and love the little pink cowgirl boots!
There’s nothing like a good parade. Of course the clowns are always a little scary.
I too, got the chance to spend my “happy 4th” in Ennis. There is no place I’d rather celebrate the 4th, there it is truly a celebration. Every year my family is drawn to the beauty of the Madison Vally, and Ennis, no doubt because of the small town pride and the “genuine Americana” you described so well. Some of my happiest memories reside in Ennis.
Jennifer, thanks for your comment. Ennis does make for happy memories. John
LOVE the pictures, BTW.
[...] off let me say thanks for all the emails and comments about my True Americana post…it was much appreciated. I mentioned earlier in the week I would follow up and tell you my [...]
I come from NYC but i always wanted to try living in a small town where time seems to slow down and everyone is just a tad more friendlier. The closest I came was living in Miami for a few years.
Superbes photos!
Amitiés de France:CLAIRE