Photos by Cheryl Landes

The Skagit Valley is famous for its tulips and daffodils. It’s also a favorite place for birdwatchers to flock to see hundreds of eagles and snow geese during the winter migration.

But there’s a domestic bird that the citizens of Edison love—the chicken. They’re so proud of this bird that they celebrate it every year on the last Sunday of February.

This year’s parade is Sunday, February 23.

The festivities start with the Chicken Parade at noon sharp behind the Old Edison Inn, 5829 Cains Court. You’ll see floats, cars driven by chickens (humans dressed as chickens, that is), and real chickens, of course.

The parade ends at the Terramar Brewing, 5712 Gilkey Avenue, which is famous for their pizza and suds. Eat, drink, and enjoy these activities:

• From 11:30 a.m. until 6 p.m., local artists Kristin Loffer Theiss and Todd Horton display their bird-related artwork in the pizza pickup room and garage. Todd is painting as well, so stop by and watch him in action. Edison Chicken Parade T-shirts are on sale, too.
• In the taproom and sloughslide, Becky Rosencrans, a long-time bird enthusiast and nearby Samish Island resident, presents her beautiful photos and talks about the birds in Edison and the Skagit Valley at 1:30 and 3 p.m.
• After the parade, browse the pop-up shops from local crafters and meet a few raptors.

The celebrating doesn’t stop there! Check out these highlights:

• A bird show, including chickens, at the Smith and Vallee Gallery
• A Paella Party in Slough Food‘s courtyard. The soup of the day is chicken noodle.
• Baked goods at the Breadfarm
• More goodies at Tweets Cafe and Mariposa Taqueria
• Cookies from little Morgan
• More food and drink at the Old Edison Inn and Longhorn Saloon

Parking is available at the Edison Elementary School, 5801 Main Avenue.

Get information and updates about the parade at Edison Bird Festival’s Facebook page.

Edison is 74 miles north of Seattle.