Printer Friendly Version - Essex Ed Once Again Planning for Some Silly Winter Fun

The Essex Ed Parade will take place, once gain, in Essex Village, this time on Sunday, Jan. 27 at 2 p.m. Essex Ed did not see his shadow at last year’s parade, when this picture was taken. Photo by Emily McColl/The Source

The Essex Ed Parade will take place once again on Main Street in Essex Village, this year on Sunday, Jan. 27 at 2 p.m.

Participants are welcome to bring their pots and pans for the 40th anniversary of his appearance on Main Street to celebrate Groundhog Day, which this year takes place on Saturday, Feb. 2.

At 12 feet tall, Essex Ed is a paper-mache version of a groundhog and each year a community organization dresses him in a costume that acknowledges a person or special occasion. As always, that organization and costume will remain secret until Essex Ed makes his annual pilgrimage from Essex Boat Works up Pratt Street to his place of honor at the roundabout on the top of Main Street.

In 1978, Essex Ed was created, out of boredom, by local resident Mary Ellen Brophy and friends who wanted to interject some fun into what was an extremely cold and unpleasant winter. Without securing town approval, Brophy referred to Essex Ed’s surprise appearance at the Essex Square roundabout on Groundhog Day as creative vandalism and a way to get everybody outside for some silly, winter fun.

In 1982, now with town support, Brophy posted an ad in the Valley Regional High School bulletin board seeking volunteers for the Essex Ed parade. Essex resident and high school freshman Jennifer Hill (now Jennifer Stassen of Glastonbury), was one of several students who rallied and continued to participate in Essex Ed’s annual Groundhog Day event from 1982 to 1985. She says she recalls “many long and cold days at Essex Boat Works, where Essex Ed was stored, having to repair him from mice damage he had suffered over the winter.”

Back then, Essex Elementary students and parents were invited to march in the Essex Ed Parade. All were encouraged to bring pots, pans, lids, spoons, and trumpets, and to make as much noise as possible to inspire Essex Ed’s march up Pratt and Main Streets. Since then, Essex Ed has become a celebrity groundhog, attracting thousands of Groundhog Day-lovers from near and far.

At the same time, the Essex Ed Parade’s homespun silliness remains pretty much the same. Ed will make his annual journey to the top of Main Street along with a parade of antique cars, fife and drum corps, residents, and visitors. All are invited to join the festivities, and bring noisemakers and groundhog gear to awaken Ed from his long winter nap. The Griswold Inn continues to serve popcorn and hot chocolate for parade goers, just as it has always done.