For the past 40 years, visitors from near and far bundle up their little ones, break out the pots and pans, and head down to Main Street in the center of Essex to pay homage to the iconic, six-foot-tall, paper-mache ground hog known as Essex Ed. The 2019 Essex Ed Parade of antique cars, fife and drum corps, and Ed himself is set to take place on Sunday, Jan. 27, making its way up Main Street, beginning at 2 p.m.

Each year, per tradition, the giant rodent is adorned in some new snazzy threads calling attention to a local non-profit that is either celebrating a milestone, raising awareness for something new, or being recognized for some outstanding accomplishment. Last year, Ed was adorned in a bathing suit to celebrate the Valley Shore YMCA’s 100th anniversary.

“We always try to find a worthy non-profit to spotlight. It really is an honor to be picked as the organization that gets to dress Ed,” said Amy D’Alessio, president of the Essex Board of Trade, which sponsors the parade each year. This is D’Alesso’s first year putting together the operating plan for the parade and she said she is having a great time getting everything set for the special occasion.

“This annual parade is always a great time and everyone has fun,” said D’Alessio, who owns Newberry Place, which is located inside of J. Alden Clothier in downtown Essex.

“It’s a silly parade, but it brings everyone together and we enjoy it,” she continued, “It’s grown so much over the years that now it reportedly has an annual attendance of over 8,000 people.”

Diehard Essex Ed fans not only come out for the parade, but they dress accordingly, adorning themselves in fuzzy groundhog hats, which are locally available for purchase now at Toys Ahoy in Essex. Fans also make sure to bring their pots and pans to make some noise when the furry rodents finally shows himself, revealing his surprise attire.

As always D’Alessio is hoping for good weather the day of the event, however the parade will go on, rain or shine.

“Essex Ed is not afraid of bad weather and neither should we be,” said D’Alessio, adding that the Griswold Inn will be serving up hot chocolate and popcorn for parade goers, as it has for the past 40 years.

“We hope to have a great event this year, with lots of visitors, so come out, see what Ed is wearing this year, enjoy the day, have some fun and support the local businesses,” D’Alessio said.

Once the parade commences, Ed will be included in the town’s center kiosk for display, so if you can’t make the parade you can still catch a glimpse of the overgrown groundhog on your way downtown.