FARMINGTON — The 42nd celebration of Chester Greenwood Day will be Saturday, Dec. 1, in downtown Farmington.

The Franklin County Chamber of Commerce will present the annual celebration of Chester Greenwood, Farmington native and earmuff inventor. The theme this year is “Sights and Sounds of the Season.” 

Returning this year is the “Taste of Farmington” event. Those attending may purchase a $5 passport and visit participating eateries on Chester Greenwood Day from noon to 3 p.m. to enjoy a sample of the food that downtown Farmington has to offer.

“Taste of Farmington” passports are available for purchase at the Franklin County Chamber office, Franklin-Somerset Federal Credit Union and County Seat Realty prior to Dec. 1. Passports may also be purchased on Chester Greenwood Day at the Chamber’s Chester Greenwood Day information booth on the lawn of the Pierce House.

The schedule of Chester Greenwood Day festivities is:

Thrifty Santa Toy Sale: 8 to 10 a.m. at Old South Church, 235 Main St. Good-as-new toys will be sold at affordable prices. Items range from puzzles and books to dolls, bikes and winter outdoor items.

Cookie walk and white elephant sale: 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Henderson Memorial Baptist Church, 110 Academy St. Visitors can purchase a hand-decorated coffee can and fill it up with a variety of homemade cookies. Lightly-used Christmas decorations and other items will be for sale. FMI: call 207-778-2163

Gingerbread house contest: 9 a.m. to noon. at Bangor Savings Bank, Main Street. Entries may be dropped off prior to viewing between 8:15 and 8:45 a.m. Entries for the 10th annual contest will be reviewed by a panel of judges and prizes awarded for kids ages 12 and younger and adult categories. This year’s theme is “Favorite Childhood Toy.” Preregistration required by downloading forms online at www.franklincountymaine.org. Hot cocoa bar, sand art, cake, Coats for Kids, Chester Greenwood birthday cake and Chamber Bucks will be featured at the bank from 9 a.m. to noon.

Rotary’s Festival of Trees: 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Farmington Community Center. The annual festival will have local musical groups throughout the day. “Taste of Farmington” passport users may drop off passports here. The live tree auction will begin at 6 p.m.

Hot cocoa and popcorn: 9 a.m. to noon at University Credit Union.

American Legion craft fair: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Legion hall. Two floors will have crafts and an extensive luncheon menu.

Franklin County Arts & Crafts Association annual craft fair: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the University of Maine at Farmington Student Center. The fair will feature locally-made products from an assortment of arts and crafts.

Titcomb House open house: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the corner of Academy and High streets will be decorated for the season. Events it will offer are Christmas wreath sales; a book signing by Megan Roberts’“Titcomb: a Mountain of Ski Memories,” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and a Chester Greenwood silent auction fundraiser from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30pm.

The Octagon House open house: 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the corner of Perham Street and Broadway. Decorated for the season, it will offer light refreshments, and Gould family displays. 

Coats for Kids drop-off: 10 a.m. to noon at Franklin Savings Bank and Bangor Savings Bank.

Parade: 10 a.m. Line-up will be at Mallet School at the Quebec Street entrance. Preregistration is encouraged, but not required. The theme is “Sights and Sounds of the Season.” Float prizes will be awarded for first, second and third place adult floats and first and second youth organization floats. The parade will begin at 11 a.m. and will occur rain, snow or shine, throughout downtown Farmington. Judging of floats will be conducted en route this year. Parade winners will be announced at the Flag Raising Ceremony. Registration forms and event rules are posted online at www.franklincountymaine.org. Floats must incorporate earmuffs, and candy may only be thrown by walkers on the ground.

Flag raising ceremony: Following the parade at the Franklin County Courthouse. A Chester Greenwood flag will be raised in celebration of this day.

Luncheon: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Henderson Memorial Baptist Church, 110 Academy St.

Coat & Cupboard open house: Noon to 2 p.m. in the rear of the Holman Mission House, 227 Main St. Free coats, hats and ski pants, as well as boots and blankets will be offered. This is a project of Old South Church’s youth group. Free hot chocolate and baked goods will be available.

The Pierce House open house: 1 to 3 p.m. There will be memorabilia pertaining to the Greenwood’s on display along with old-fashioned refreshments and cookie decorating.

Polar Bear Dip: 3 p.m. at the breakwater on Clearwater Lake, Industry. This is the 32nd annual dip into the frigid Clearwater Lake. 

Santa Visit: 3 to 5 p.m. at Franklin Savings Bank, 198 Front St. Santa will listen to wishes from his sleigh. 

Horse-drawn wagon rides: 4 to 7 p.m. at Narrow Gauge Cinemas.

“Itty Bitty” tree lighting: 5 p.m. at 198 Front St. There will be hot chocolate, popcorn and live music by Mark Gentle.

Chester Greenwood Day commemorative long sleeve T-shirts are available for $12 and can be purchased at the Franklin County Chamber office, Franklin-Somerset Federal Credit Union and County Seat Realty prior to Dec. 1. Shirts can also be purchased on Chester Greenwood Day at the Chamber’s Chester Greenwood Day information booth.

Any updates and changes to the schedule will be posted at the Chamber website, www.franklincountymaine.org, and on its Facebook page. For questions or more information, contact the Chamber at 207-778-4215 or info@franklincountymaine.org.