FARMINGTON – Break out your earmuffs and get ready for a fun-filled day celebrating one of Franklin County’s most well-known residents.

On Saturday, Dec. 6, Farmington celebrates Chester Greenwood Day.

“It’s such a popular event because it’s quirky,” said Franklin County Chamber of Commerce Executive Director Lorna Nichols.

In 1977, the Maine Legislature passed a legislative sentiment officially declaring Dec. 21 “Chester Greenwood Day” to honor a native son and his invention of what is now one of the most recognizable pieces of winter wear in the world – the earmuff.

Although the date of the festival has been changed to the first Saturday in December to reduce the impact of winter cold and snow on patrons, the spirit of the event is still the same as history buffs and dabblers in the arts alike converge on the town to celebrate Greenwood’s legacy.

Greenwood was born in Farmington in 1858. He dropped out of grammar school and became a precocious and prolific inventor. At age 15, as he was testing a new pair of ice skates, Greenwood grew irritated at trying to protect his ears from the bone-chilling cold temperatures and howling winds.

Greenwood tried putting a wool scarf over his head, but it was too bulky and itchy. So he made two ear-shaped loops from wire and asked his grandmother to sew fur on them. Eventually, Greenwood patented an improved model with a steel band holding the earmuffs in place. The invention of Greenwood’s Champion Ear Protectors led to Greenwood’s Ear Protector Factory.

Greenwood went on to make a fortune supplying ear protectors to U.S. soldiers during World War I.

Greenwood also invented the steel-tooth rake (U.S. patent No. 2066036, issued on Dec. 29, 1936), and patented more than 100 other inventions during his lifetime.

The festival is organized by the Chamber of Commerce and includes a food drive for needy families. People can leave contributions at the Franklin Savings Bank Administration Building on Front Street.

The parade is an annual highlight. Be there at 11 a.m. to view the action as the floats begin their journey through downtown Farmington. People interested in being a part of the parade should head down to Mallett School in Farmington for the required free preregistration. The parade lineup commences at 10 a.m., and this year’s theme is Historic Farmington, with ribbons and cash prizes for Best Theme, Originality and Youth Group & Appearance.

Flag raising takes place at the courthouse at noon, and horse and wagon rides start from the FSB Administration Building starting at noon and lasting until 1 p.m. From 12:30 to 1 p.m. a chili contest will be held at the FSB Administration Building, with drop-off at 11:30 and free preregistration required. A traveling trophy will be awarded, and Chester Greenwood Birthday cake, provided by Hannaford of Farmington, will be served. Franklin Savings Bank and the chamber are sponsoring the chili contest.

Clearwater Lake in Industry will host the annual Polar Bear Club dip. This is an especially good photo opportunity for those too timid to take the plunge, as dippers emerge from the frigid water in various states of agony and frenzied exultation.

Other events include the Festival of Trees auction at 6 p.m. at The Granary, sponsored by the Farmington Rotary Club; a wreath sale at the Farmington Historical Society’s Titcomb House from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; the American Legion No. 28 craft fair at the corner of High and Middle streets from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.; a gingerbread house contest from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Franklin Savings Bank Administration Building (free, with required preregistration and drop-off beginning at 8:30 a.m.), sponsored by Franklin Savings and the chamber; and the Ski Museum of Maine at Church Street Commons, open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.