40th annual Chester Greenwood Day parade, 30th polar bear dip

The Chester Greenwood Day parade drew a large crowd downtown on Saturday. Events continue though this evening.

FARMINGTON – The 40th annual Chester Greenwood Day parade drew a large crowd downtown on a breezy 40-degree Saturday morning.

The Farmington native Chester Greenwood who most famously invented earmuffs back in 1873 at the age of 15 was honored with a long parade and lots of events to be held through this evening. Included is the 30th year the Franklin County Polar Bear Club members will take their chilly dip into Clearwater Lake in Industry at 3 p.m.

Earmuffs were the fashion of the day for people, their pets and some over-sized versions decorating vehicles including a local school bus. “Holiday Celebrations around the World” was the theme of this year’s parade, which is sponsored by the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce. Included in the annual event were 5K walks/runs this morning, chili and gingerbread house contests, the Farmington Historical Society’s open houses, craft fairs and new this year a “Taste of Farmington” event at local restaurants.

The Franklin County Agricultural Society Museum. — The Franklin County Agricultural Society Museum’s parade entry was a reindeer mounted on a tractor pulling an antique sleigh with Santa and an elf.

The Smiling Goat Precision Juggling Corps do their thing during the 40th annual Chester Greenwood Day parade on Saturday.

The 40th annual Chester Greenwood Day parade drew a large crowd on a breezy 40-degree Saturday morning. — The 40th annual Chester Greenwood Day parade with a theme of holiday celebrations around the world, drew a large crowd Saturday morning.

Clyde Ross, standing at left, of Farmington portrays Chester Greenwood each year. At right is Town Manager Richard Davis; seated from left is Chester Greenwood's grandson, George Greenwood of Brunswick and Isabel Greenwood, played by Caroline Thompson, Greenwood's granddaughter — Leading off the 40th annual Chester Greenwood parade is Clyde Ross, standing at left, portrays Chester Greenwood each year. At right is Town Manager Richard Davis; seated from left is Chester Greenwood’s grandson, George Greenwood of Brunswick and Chester’s wife Isabel Greenwood is portrayed by her great-great granddaughter, Elizabeth Greenwood Thomas.

University Credit Union's holiday express train moves up Main Street in Farmington during Saturday's Chester Greenwood Day. — University Credit Union’s holiday express train moves up Main Street in Farmington during Saturday’s Chester Greenwood Day.

A local Girl Scout troop's parade entry featured Day of the Dead colorful characters. — The Farmington Girl Scout Troop’s parade entry featured Day of the Dead colorful characters in keeping the the theme of holiday celebration around the world.

The 30th annual polar bear club jump into Clearwater Lake in Industry was held on Chester Greenwood Day on Saturday. — The 30th annual Polar Bear Club’s jump into Clearwater Lake in Industry was held on Chester Greenwood Day Saturday. The dippers pose before their swims.

The first jumpers take their leap in the 30th annual polar bear dip on Saturday.

The 35-degree temperature with snow light falling didn't stop these polar bears from taking a swim in Clearwater Lake. The event is held each year on Chester Greenwood Day. — The 35-degree temperature with snow light falling didn’t stop these polar bears from taking a swim in Clearwater Lake. The event is held each year on Chester Greenwood Day.

A good-sized crowd turnout out to see the Franklin County Polar Bear Club members take a swim on Dec. 3. — A good-sized crowd turned out out to see the Franklin County Polar Bear Club members take a swim on Dec. 3.

Events continue on Saturday, Dec. 3:

Noon to 3 p.m.
New this year is the “Taste of Farmington” event! Present your Taste of Farmington Passport to participating eateries and enjoy a sample of what they have to offer. Once you have visited the restaurants you can drop your passport off at the Rotary Festival of Trees to be entered in a drawing for Chamber Bucks!

Noon to 2 p.m.
“Coat & Cupboard” Open House offers a large selection of free gently-used coats, sweaters, hats, mittens, and blankets. A project of Old South church’s youth group, “Coat & Cupboard” is located in the rear of the Holman Mission House, 227 Main Street. We will be open Saturday, Dec. 3, noon to 2 p.m., and again Sunday, Dec. 4, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. We also welcome your donations of clean, warm outerwear!

1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Open House at The Pierce House will have memorabilia pertaining to the Greenwoods on display celebrating its connection to the Greenwood family. Cookie decorating and old fashioned refreshments will be available.

3 p.m.
30th Annual Polar Bear Dip at the breakwater on Clearwater Lake, Industry. Members take an annual dip into the frigid Clearwater Lake in Industry. All dippers welcome!

3 to 5 p.m.
Santa Visit Franklin Savings Bank lawn, 198 Front Street, Santa will be listening to wishes from his sleigh. Be sure to bring your camera!

5 p.m.
“Itty Bitty” tree lighting With hot chocolate and popcorn at 198 Front Street. Sponsored by Franklin Savings Bank and Western Mountain Financial Services. A new living tree has replaced the previous cut variety, so, though it’s not very big, it will grow magnificently into its new role to light up our holidays for many years to come.