On Saturday, Dec. 6, Chester Greenwood Day, our annual celebration of Farmington resident Chester Greenwood, the inventor of earmuffs will take place with a holiday movies theme. Greenwood was only 15 years old when he designed the first pair of ear protectors out of wire, beaver fur, and cloth.
At the age of 19, he acquired a U.S. patent. By age 28, the Chester Greenwood & Company factory was producing and shipping champion ear protectors worldwide. In 1936, the company had its biggest year producing 400,000 pairs of earmuffs.
The annual
is hosted by the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce and takes place the first Saturday in December, bringing thousands to the area to watch and/or participate in the hour-long parade. Cash prizes are awarded for floats entered in the parade. This year’s theme is “Holiday Movies” and earmuffs must be worn on participating floats.
Sample the chili in Meetinghouse Park after the parade, and warm up from the inside out as you enjoy the annual Chili Challenge. Or head to Bangor Savings Bank on Main Street to view the wonderful gingerbread houses that many have spent hours creating in the annual Gingerbread House Contest. Those who attend may also enjoy a tasty piece of cake in honor of Chester Greenwood.
As you stroll through the downtown area, you’ll see folks of all ages having great fun while shopping, enjoying food from the wonderful eateries, or viewing the trees at the Rotary Club’s Festival of Trees event at the historic North Church. You may even run into one of Greenwood’s family members as many make the trek to Farmington each year to participate in the parade and visit with relatives who still live locally. Musicians and carolers from Mt. Blue High School and the University of Maine at Farmington will line the streets and corners sharing beautiful songs and carols for passersby.
Visit the Chamber website to learn how to become involved in this year’s Chester Greenwood Day, including parade registration forms, Chili and Gingerbread contest entry forms and more!
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- Chester Greenwood
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- Chester Greenwood Day
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- Chester Greenwood Day
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- Chester Greenwood Day
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- Chester Greenwood Day
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