Essex, CT – Grab your pots and pans and head to Essex Village on Sunday, January 29 at 2 pm for one of the most popular parades of the year. “Essex Ed”, a larger-than-life ground hog, will make his annual pilgrimage from Essex Boat Works on Ferry Street up to the top of Main Street leading a parade of antique cars, fire trucks, residents, and visitors. All are invited to join in and encouraged to bring their own noisemakers and ground hog gear to celebrate the day. Each year, Essex Ed is dressed in special attire to acknowledge a special occasion or person. Past years have seen Ed dressed as historical figures, athletes, thespians, and musical performers. As always, this year’s costume is a secret but organizers guarantee that it will be a “huge hit” when Ed makes his appearance.

Hundreds of people turn out for this annual tradition that was started over 30 years ago by a group of local citizens to wake up the town during the post-holiday doldrums. Today, the parade is organized by the Essex Board of Trade and is the first of many winter celebrations that include EagleWatch boat tours and programs in February and March and the Essex Go Bragh Parade and Festival on March 17. For more information, go to www.essexct.com.