Last January, our friends Julie and John asked if my husband Garrett and I would be interested in joining them for the annual Chicken Parade in Edison. Without hesitation or any real information, we said yes, then asked them to tell us all about it.

We were given very specific instructions. "The parade is at noon, but meet us at Slough Food before they open at 11 a.m. They're having a paella party, and seating is limited. Try to get to Edison by 10:30 so you can find parking and join us at the door."

Julie was correct. We got one of the last spaces near the end of Gilkey Avenue and found them at the entrance to Slough Food just as people were converging. For an easier time parking, follow the advice in this year's official Facebook event and park at the elementary school.

Slough Food has a little bit of indoor seating, but their events take place in the rear courtyard, which is mostly covered and heated. It's a really lovely spot with a great view of the slough.

With just an hour before the parade, I worried that there wouldn't be enough time for Paellaworks to cook and serve us before the parade. It's not an issue, though. The server who took our drink order told us we could step away for the parade and return to our seats.

With more than half an hour left before the parade, our plates started to arrive. We enjoyed our delicious paella with bread, wine, and cheese from the Slough Food cafe menu.

Soon it was time to head out, and we were able to find a spot next to the road just a few doors down. At noon, five minutes of fun marched by.

That's why you can keep your seat at Slough Food, it's one of the shortest parades you'll ever see. We had a blast, though.

The dynamic of the paella party changes quite a bit after the parade. If you're smart and get there early, be ready for the after-parade crowd to scowl at you while you enjoy another glass of wine and a locally-made ice cream sandwich. The parade draws a much bigger crowd than Edison could ever hold, but the paella party goes on for hours if you can't be seated right away. 

While you wait for some space to open up, there might be some room for you at Terramar Brewing or Longhorn Saloon. They both have amazing menus, too, so you may decide to eat wherever you can get a seat and return to Slough Food for another of their monthly paella or oyster parties.

Before you leave, be sure to stop by Breadfarm, Edison's fabulous bakery. I'd read about it on Chew Crew member Mellzah's blog and knew I couldn't go home without some of their artisanal graham crackers. Be warned, they take cash and checks only, and it'd be a shame to come home empty-handed.

Want to see the 2020 Edison Chicken Parade? Find your spot by noon on February 23rd.

Christopher Bragg works from home in Everett and loves walking, swimming, and cats. You can find him all over town, but only if you keep weird hours and avoid crowds like he does.