The 41st celebration of Chester Greenwood Day is set for Saturday, Dec. 2, in downtown Farmington, presented by the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce. Greenwood is a Farmington native and the inventor of earmuffs.

The theme this year is “Favorite Childhood Toy.” Many favorite events will return this year including the annual parade, gingerbread contest, craft fairs, historical open houses and polar bear dip.

Also returning is the “Taste of Farmington” event. Purchase a $5 passport and visit the participating local eateries from noon to 3 p.m. to enjoy a sample of the food downtown Farmington has to offer. Seven participating restaurants include The Roost, Tuck’s Ale House, Farmington House of Pizza, The Homestead, Thai Smile & Sushi Restaurant, Dunkin Donuts and Uno Mas.

Taste of Farmington passports can be purchased at the Franklin County Chamber office or Franklin-Somerset Federal Credit Union prior to Dec. 2, or on Chester Greenwood Day at the Chamber’s Chester Greenwood Day information booth downtown.

The schedule:

8-10 a.m. — Thrifty Santa Toy Sale, Old South, 235 Main St.

8 a.m.-1 p.m. — Cookie Walk & White Elephant Sale, Henderson Memorial Baptist Church, 110 Academy St.

9 a.m.-noon — 9th annual Gingerbread House Contest. Entries may be dropped off at Bangor Savings Bank, Main Street, between 8:15-8:45 a.m. The houses will be on display from 9 a.m. to noon. Entries will be reviewed by a panel of judges and prizes awarded for children (12 and younger) and adult categories. Registration is required.

9 a.m.-noon — Hot cocoa bar, sand art, cake, Coats for Kids and Chamber Bucks for sale at Bangor Savings Bank,

9 a.m.-2 p.m. — American Legion Craft Fair featuring luncheon menu.

9 a.m.-3 p.m. — Franklin County Arts & Crafts Association Annual Craft Fair, University of Maine at Farmington Student Center.

9 a.m.-3 p.m. — Open Houses for The Titcomb House, corner of Academy and High streets, will be decorated by Mt. Blue Garden Club. Events include: Christmas Wreath sales, book signing of “Narrow Gauge Railroad” books author Guy Rioux and The Merry Plinksters will perform at 1 p.m.

Noon-1 p.m. — The Octagon House, Corner of Perham and Broadway, wreaths for sale. Music by Leanne Tinker, light refreshments, Gould Family displays, holiday storytelling and readings.

10 a.m. — Parade line-up at Mallet School at the Quebec St. entrance. Registration is encouraged, but not required. Theme is “Favorite Childhood Toy.” Prizes for first, second and third place adult floats and first and second overall youth organization float.

10 a.m.-noon — Coats for Kids, drop off gently used coats at Franklin Savings Bank beginning on Chester Greenwood Day and running through December.

10 a.m.-6:30 p.m. — Rotary’s Festival of Trees, Farmington Community Center, featuring local musical groups, hot chocolate and raffle chances all day. Tree auction will begin at 6:30 p.m.

11 a.m. Parade begins, rain, snow or shine, through downtown Farmington. Judging of floats will be conducted en route this year. Registration forms and event rules are posted online at franklincountymaine.org.

Flag raising ceremony will take place at the Franklin County Courthouse after the parade. Chester Greenwood birthday cake will be served after the parade at Bangor Savings Bank.

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

noon — “Coat & Cupboard” Open House offers free coats, hats and ski pants, as well as boots and blankets at the Holman Mission House, 227 Main St.

1-3 p.m. Open House, The Pierce House will have memorabilia pertaining to the Greenwoods on display. Old fashioned refreshments and cookie decorating.

3 p.m. — 31st Annual Polar Bear Dip at the breakwater on Clearwater Lake, in Industry.

3-5 p.m. — Santa visit at Franklin Savings Bank lawn, 198 Front St.

4-7 p.m. — Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides courtesy of Narrow Gauge Cinemas.

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

For more information, visit www.franklincountymaine.org, call 778.4215 or email [email protected].