Essex Ed will make his big reveal on Sunday, when he emerges from Essex Boat Works for his annual procession up Main Street in Essex Village.

Every year in celebration of Groundhog Day, a community organization dresses Essex Ed – a twelve-foot paper mache version of a groundhog – in a costume that recognizes a person or special occasion. That organization and costume remain top secret until Essex Ed appears for his journey and to his place of honor at the roundabout on the top of Main Street.

The Essex Ed tradition was born in 1978, thanks to resident Mary Ellen Brophy, when out of boredom she and her friends decided to interject inject some fun into what was an extremely cold and unpleasant winter. Without securing town approval, Mary Ellen referred to Essex Ed’s surprise appearance at the Essex Square roundabout on Groundhog Day as “creative vandalism – a way to get everybody outside for some silly, winter fun.”

47 years later, the winter festivity continues. Essex Ed has become a bit of a “celebrity groundhog,” attracting Groundhog Day lovers from far and wide, who rejoice by wearing groundhog hats and banging traditional noisemakers – pots, lids, spoons, and trumpets. The Griswold Inn serves popcorn and hot chocolate for parade goers, just as it’s done since day #1!

The parade takes place rain, snow, or Shine!