Essex Ed, Wake Up!

Living in the country has its privileges, one of which is being able to attend unique small town festivals. This past Saturday I attended and actually participated in a groundhog parade in Essex, CT.

Essex is a quaint New England village nestled along side the Connecticut River and is comprised of three towns: Essex, Ivorytown (which once made ivory piano keys), and Centerbrook all of which encompass about 12 square miles with a total population of roughly 7,000 people. The area was once known for its shipbuilding and rope making during the Revolutionary War and up through the time of the Civil War.

Today, the town boasts the title of ‘#1 Best Small Town in America’ as listed in Norman Crampton’s book “100 Best Small Towns in America.” It’s a typical old New England town with a green in the town center, a couple of old steeple churches and a bunch of century-old colonial houses.

The parade is an annual tradition that is held each year on the Saturday preceding Groundhog Day. From what I’ve been able to find out, the parade was originally established for children by a grammar school teacher who wanted to “perk up” the dullness that winter can bring. When this tradition actually started, I do not know, but I can confidently say that it’s been “as long as anyone can remember”, which makes me believe that no one really knows. I get the feeling that this isn’t really an organized event as much as it is a local gathering for the children.

The parade consisted of a fire truck, a handful of senior citizens playing the fife and drums while wearing groundhog hats, another group of senior citizens wearing groundhog hats and carrying a sign that read ‘Long Island Clam Shuckers Groundhog Assoc’, an antique car carrying the Grand Marshall (who I think was the town selectman), and last but not least, an antique truck pulling a trailer holding Essex Ed.

Essex Ed is an 8-foot, 200 lb Groundhog constructed of foam and fiberglass. Each year Ed wears a different costume. This year he was dressed as a Beatle, although it wasn’t obvious to me if he was supposed to be John, Paul, George or Ringo.

Once Essex Ed passes by, the townsfolk follow him up Main Street banging pots and pans. So not only do the townsfolk get to see the parade but they also become part of the parade. The parade continues the few blocks up Main Street until Essex Ed reaches the rotary that is at the entrance of the roads leading into and out of the town center. Ed is then ceremoniously lifted off the trailer and placed atop the town rotary. People stand in a circle around the rotary banging pots and pans for a couple of minutes and then eventually take their picture with Ed. The noise the pots and pans make is supposed to wake up Ed so he’ll come out from hiding to see if he can see his shadow.

Now this parade might seem a little cheesy to you, but I have to tell you it was really quite fun. The children as well as the adults were all having a wonderful time despite the frigid temperatures. If anything, the silliness of it all is guaranteed to make you laugh.