Earmuffs plentiful at Chester Greenwood Day

FARMINGTON — Earmuffs were the theme, but Christmas, crafts, competition and cold water also played roles on Saturday during Chester Greenwood Day in Farmington.

This was the 40th year Farmington native Chester Greenwood has been celebrated for his invention of earmuffs, and the day was presented by the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce.

“Chester Greenwood Day has a large variety of events and many details,” said Penny Meservier, executive director of the chamber. “Part of what makes this community great is the number of people who step up to be a part of the event committee, volunteer to help, host an activity or participate in the parade and other events. We have many people that volunteer their time year after year to make this event happen.”

The parade theme was Holiday Celebrations Around the World, and participating floats, all sporting their own pair of earmuffs, competed in Adult and Youth categories.

The parade not only displayed a variety of countries but earmuff styles and marchers as well. Ponies wearing antlers rode by as people lined the streets, eagerly awaiting the start of the parade at the insection of Middle and High streets. Bagpipe players marched by in classic kilt garb, Robert Elliott Trucking pulled a singer behind them, and groups of jugglers ran by and a chorus of appreciative “oohs” and “ahhs” from the crowd rang out.

A highlight of the day enjoyed by many was the 30th annual Polar Bear Dip at Dovey’s Kitchen in Industry.

The first polar bear dip was held in 1986 when 10 Polar Bear Club members jumped into Clearwater Lake once a month through the winter. This year, about 20 people took the plunge. Every plunger had a different reason for jumping in the icy water.

When Pat Nelson, self-proclaimed “grill queen” of Dovey’s Kitchen, was asked why she was taking the chilly dive, she said it was because she’s crazy.

“I’m a little nervous,” she said. “I think I got myself into a little more than I wanted.”

Zeke Robinson said he had a brain freeze after jumping in, but had to do it because his brother didn’t jump in and he had to “one-up” him.

For those in a shopping mood, the American Legion Post 28 hosted a craft fair with many homemade items for sale.

Karen Rothschild, whose slogan, “I love to knit!” was on all her handcrafted hats, mittens and scarves, said this was her 10th and last time participating in the craft fair, but she planned to make her extra products count.

“I’ve made a few hats and brought them over to cancer care, and that’s probably where my leftovers will go,” Rothschild said.

For those in the competitive mood, event attendees could participate in the gingerbread house contest, where the winning house displayed a Kamakura Festival, native to the city of Yokote, or the chili cook-off.

New this year was the Taste of Farmington event, where attendees could purchase a passport for $5 and present it to participating eateries for a sample, including Dunkin’ Donuts, Thai Smile and Sushi restaurant, Tuck’s Ale House, The Homestead Kitchen, Bar and Bakery, The Roost, El Toro food truck, The Granary Brew Pub and Restaurant and Farmington House of Pizza.

After visiting the restaurants, patrons entered their passports into a drawing for Chamber Bucks, which are gift certificates to businesses belonging to the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce. Each business that chooses to participate accepts the bucks as cash, then turns them in to the Chamber, who then reimburses the business. The bucks have no expiration date.

emarquis@sunmediagroup.net

Float Winners

Adult

First place: University Credit Union

Second place: Franklin Savings Bank

Third place: New Hope Baptist Church

Youth

First place: Girl Scout Troup No. 486

Second place: Franklin County Children’s Task Force

Third place: Foster Career and Technical Education Center

Gingerbread House Winners

Adult