It would be difficult to think of another holiday that is more synonymous with the concept of "Main Street" than the 4th of July. 

On what other occasion will you find American communities coming together en masse in a family-oriented celebration irrespective of age, background, ethnicity or religion?  Children, parents, grandparents and extended families celebrate the 4th with memorabilia and parades on main street.

Copyright 2012 Cindy A Stephens

As a photographer of main streets and back roads I couldn't pass up the opportunity to photograph a main street resplendent in her red, white and blue on this holiday occasion.

The 4th of July parade in Wakefield, MA is the largest in Massachusetts and the second largest in New England.  Wakefield is a quintessential Massachusetts town roughly 10 miles from Boston.  It has a beautiful town green on the shores of Lake Quannapowitt.

Apparently I wasn't the only person with a desire to help Wakefield residents celebrate America's birthday.  Due to the heavy traffic I parked beside the lake about two miles from the town center and then followed the crowds toward the parade route.

Copyright 2012 Cindy A Stephens

I opted to carry a small stool with me to elevate my photography above the crowds and I left my water bottle in the car.  In hindsight my choice of photography gear versus water wasn't the wisest given the 95+ degree temperatures.  Nevertheless I marched toward what I hoped would be some very good images to add to my current body of work.

I chose to use reflections to create images that were not what first comes to mind when you think of pictures of parades.  I wanted to provide a different perspective on the celebration.

Copyright 2012 Cindy A Stephens

I was ultimately rewarded for my sweat and blisters.  The street was lined with colorful balloon vendors, supporters and floats and were a main street photographer's paradise.