Many events planned for Chester Greenwood Day in Farmington

FARMINGTON — The 38th annual celebration of Farmington’s own Chester Greenwood will take place on Saturday, Dec. 6.

The day, hosted by the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, celebrates Dec. 4, 1858, the birthdate of the inventor of the earmuff and many other innovations.

This year’s parade theme is “Holiday Movies.”

The parade will begin at 11 a.m. on Dec. 6. Lineup starts at 10 a.m. in the Mallett School parking lot. Cash prizes will be awarded to the top three adult floats and best overall youth organization float. Preregistration is welcome but not required.

A book signing with Meghan McCarthy for her new book, “Earmuffs for Everyone! How Chester Greenwood Became Known as the Inventor of Earmuffs,” will take place at DDG Booksellers after the parade.

Other events planned so far include a 5K walk/run starting at the Snack Shack. Registration begins at 8 a.m. and the race starts at 9 a.m.

Open houses are planned from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Titcomb House, the Octagon House and the Pierce House.

The Rotary Club’s annual Festival of Trees will take place at the North Church. Viewing will be from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. with musical entertainment from 1 to 5 p.m. A live auction of trees starts at 6:30 p.m.

Craft fairs are planned from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., including the Franklin County Arts and Crafts Association craft show, which takes place at the Olsen Student Center at the University of Maine at Farmington. American Legion No. 28 will host its annual craft fair at the legion hall and the Farmington Emblem Club No. 460 will have one at the Elks Lodge, which will end at 2 p.m.

Franklin Savings Bank will collect Coats for Kids during the parade.

The sixth annual Gingerbread House Contest will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Entries may be dropped off at the Main Street entrance of Bangor Savings Bank Saturday morning between 8:30 and 9 a.m. The public may view the entries from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. This year’s contest theme is also “Holiday Movies.”

Preregistration is required. Forms are available online at the Chamber website, www.franklincountymaine.org.

The Polar Bear Club will make its annual dip into Clearwater Lake in Industry at 3 p.m.

Farmington Recreation will present the first Farmington Christmas Show at the Farmington Community Center at 4 p.m.

For more information or to obtain registration forms, contact the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce at 778-4215 or go online at www.franklincountymaine.org.