Residents of Edina, Minnesota, are known by many names. Cake eaters. Rich kids. Hornets. It's rumored that the "The Mighty Ducks" rival hockey team is based on this suburb. Some people hate it, others love it. But if you grew up in Edina, these 10 things will probably pertain to you.
1. State hockey tournaments. No matter if their team plays you or not, they hate you.
Edina High School has a great student section. Yes, they have some negative chants, but really every school does. From camo to "preppy" to tropical, EHS goes all out for themed student sections and they've got some great spirit. But you know every person in the Xcel Energy Center (not from Edina) probably hates you at the time. You might even remember the chants "F*ck Edina" that echoed around. But we always kept a smile on our faces, supporting our team.
2. Collaborative time was great for seniors.
When the high school decided to incorporate collab time, you were probably very confused about what was happening. But once they explained longer lunches once a week, you were like, "Yes!" And if you were a senior? You got to go off campus and have lunch, or go home for two hours! If you were not a senior, you sat around with your friends. But it wasn't quite as much fun.
3. Girls, you own at least one Lululemon item.
Okay, let's be honest here. If you grew up in Edina, you own at least one item from this clothing store. Whether it be leggings or a shirt or a backpack, it is probably a staple in your everyday clothing. Yes, it may be expensive but that doesn't take away from how much you love it.
4. You have been to at least one POPS or Current Jam concert.
Being from Edina, you know that it has a great music program. So when the band puts on POPS and choir has Current Jam, you know you've been to one of them. Maybe you love the theme the band has this year or one of your friends has a solo in choir.
5. Davanni's or Perkins is the go-to late-night spot.
Whether after a football game or at 2 in the morning, chances are you'll see at least one person you know. Perkins has late-night bites and is open 24 hours. Where better to get out of the house to be with your friends and have food. Assert your freedom.
6. Southdale Mall was your middle school hang out.
Before you could drive, you probably wanted to get out of the house and be with you friends. You more than likely asked your parents to drop you off at Southdale where you would just walk around, see a movie at AMC, get some food at Cheesecake Factory, or do a little shopping. Honestly, you could probably still go into that mall and walk it with your eyes closed you know it so well.
7. You took pictures for at least one dance at Galleria or Centennial lakes.
In Edina, school dances are a big deal. Whether it be homecoming, Sadie's, sweethearts, or prom. You have got to go all out with buses, hair, makeup, after-parties. Pictures are one of the most important things, though. These two places are go-to ideas and places.
8. You know the names of all six elementary schools and which of the two middle schools they were supposed to attend.
Cornelia, Creek Valley, Concord, Highlands, Normandale and Countryside. Odds are that if you grew up in Edina you attended one of these elementary schools. Then you also know that Creek Valley, Countryside and Normandale all go to Valley View, while the other three get to go to South View. In high school, you know the distinction based on new faces, and sometimes even attitudes.
9. You know Neighborhood Ice Cream Shoppe or Edina Creamery have the best ice cream.
Those hot summer days when you just want a cold, sweet treat? Usually Dairy Queen won't cut it when you know you have these two places you could go. Or you remember being in house league soccer and after every game you would get ice cream from the Neighborhood Ice Cream Shoppe.
10. You know that Hornets never die.
There seems to be a stigma around Edina that everyone there is horrible and snobby. And yes, maybe there are a few people who meet that stereotype. But aren't there people like that everywhere? When you move away, you tell people "Yeah, I am from Edina" and you get that judgmental eye roll. Sometimes maybe you don't even like Edina. But at the end of the day you are proud of where you are from and the way your community pushed you and helped you grow. You are proud to be a part of something where for the most part everyone is supportive and you get to watch people you grew up with, maybe even yourself, go on and achieve great things. You move away and start new things with your life. Even after that, Edina is home. So let them call us "cake eaters" because who doesn't love cake? Once a Hornet, always a Hornet.
