Since 1992
Print and digital marketing
By Bill Van Tassel
Staff Writer
FARMINGTON — Since 1977 Farmington has celebrated its famous inventor, Chester Greenwood. The Maine Legislature declared the first day of winter as Chester Greenwood Day and since then the town has held an event in his honor on the first Saturday of December.
Greenwood came up with the idea of “ear protectors” or earmuffs at age 15 (1873). He patented his improved invention at age 18 and established a company to manufacture the product. It became so popular that the United States military asked him to supply the soldiers with them during World War I.
He built a large factory, Greenwood’s Ear Protector Factory, in the downtown, and by 1936 it was producing about 400,000 of the ear warmers. Now, in 2016 people still come out to celebrate their native son’s inventiveness and the Christmas spirit.
The theme of this year’s parade, organized by the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce, was “Christmas Around the World.” Floats and marchers created by local businesses and other organizations celebrated the holiday traditions of countries like Italy, Germany, Spain and others.
The majority of participants were wearing earmuffs of some kind, as were so many of the spectators lining Main Street. You could even find pets sporting the ear warmers.
Other events included a polar plunge at Clearwater Pond, a Christmas tree lighting, great deals at local restaurants, a 5-K Dog Run/Walk sponsored by the Franklin County Animal Shelter, a free viewing of “A Christmas Story” at the Narrow-Gauge Cinema and many other specials.
