Morning Sentinel
FARMINGTON: Variety of events will honor Chester Greenwood's legacy
BY VALERIE TUCKER
Correspondent
Kennebec Journal & Morning Sentinel 12/03/2008

FARMINGTON -- The 32nd annual celebration of the famous inventor of the earmuff -- the town's own Chester Greenwood -- will begin western Maine's holiday season Saturday.

Dozens of activities will provide a day of indoor and outdoor fun. At 11 a.m., the Greenwood family float will lead the way down Main Street with special guests, Mallett School teacher Cynthia Stevens and her 17 second-grade students on board.

One student, Sam Smith, is the great-great-great-grandson of the earmuff inventor. His parents, Karen and Joel, decided the class should be part of the celebration, and the children will share their study of Franklin County historical figures.

"We're working on a calendar that features profiles of famous local inventors," Stevens said. "People can buy one at the Titcomb House on Saturday or come to the Mallett School after this weekend."

The popular chili contest will be at the Front Street entrance of Franklin Savings Bank from 12:30 p. m. to 1 p. m.

"Drop off your entry between 11:30 to 11:45 a.m." Chamber executive director Lorna Nichols said. "Stay for a slice of Chester Greenwood cake afterwards." A flag-raising ceremony will take place at the Franklin County Courthouse after the parade, and horse and buggy rides begin at noon at the Franklin Savings Bank parking area on Front Street.

The Farmington Historical Society will be displaying vintage Greenwood items at the Titcomb House, as well as selling holiday wreaths.

The American Legion Post 28 Auxiliary will host a craft fair from 9 a. m. to 3 p. m. Last year's gingerbread house contest was a hit, Nichols said, and competitive bakers have been working on this year's designs.

Entries should be taken to the Franklin Savings Bank entrance between 8:30 a.m. and 9 a.m. for display from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Farmington Rotary Club's Festival of Trees at the Granary Restaurant ends with a reception and auction of the trees, starting at 6 p. m.

The Polar Bear Club members will jump into Clearwater Lake in Industry at 3 p.m. Pre-registration forms for the parade, chili and gingerbread contests are available on the Franklin County Chamber's online at www.franklincountymaine.org or 778-4215.

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