Farmington ready to celebrate Chester Greenwood Day
The celebration will feature a parade, Santa Claus, a birthday cake and a chili challenge
FARMINGTON – Preparations are nearly completed for Saturday’s annual celebration of favorite son Chester Greenwood.
Greenwood, who is said to have created earmuffs when he was 15 years old, received a United States’ patent for his Champion Ear Protectors in 1877.
This year, Greenwood’s former earmuff factory on Front Street is decorated and houses Operation Santa Claus. It is scheduled to be open during the celebration.
Things get going at 10:15 a.m. at the Mallett School where floats are to meet for judging, said Steve Russell, a member of the Farmington-Wilton Chamber of Commerce.
If folks want to enter a float, they still can, he said.
The parade starts at 11 a.m. at the Mallett School and goes down Middle Street to High Street to South Street to Main Street, ending at Meetinghouse Park.
This year Alan Smith will portray Chester Greenwood, Russell said. Clyde Ross, who portrayed Greenwood for many years, is taking a year off, he said.
Santa Claus is expected to arrive in time for the parade.
The Greenwood family, as usual, has provided support for awards for floats, Russell said.
Among the entries this year are Western Maine United Soccer Club and Mallett School, he said.
Beginning at 11:30 a.m. at Meetinghouse Park there will be free Chester Greenwood birthday cake, The Great Chili Challenge and a vote on the chili.
Restaurants in the area enter the chili competition, Russell said.
Syncopations, an all-girl high school singing group that has been invited to perform at Carnegie Hall next year, plans to sing carols and sell its compact discs of Christmas carols, Russell said.
Santa Claus is expected to visit the park, too.
And at 3 p.m. the Polar Bear dip is scheduled to take place at Clearwater Lake.
From 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Farmington Rotary Club-sponsored Festival of Trees are available for viewing at The Granary Brew Pub and Restaurant on Front Street. At 5 p.m. there will be complimentary refreshments before the trees are auctioned at 6 p.m. with Adrian Harris.
Proceeds from the auction benefit local charities.
dperry@sunjournal.com
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