Gerry Wiles Holiday Food Program

The Franklin County Chamber of Commerce has set its sights on providing holiday meals to Franklin County families this December. Last year, with tremendous support of area businesses, individuals, and numerous volunteers, the program helped more than 200 families come together over a warm meal during the holidays. With a community like Franklin County behind it, the Chamber is confident it can reach even more people this holiday season.

The Chamber seeks donations of food and monetary contributions in preparation for this community service project. Dinners are distributed to families referred by local service agencies, schools, Operation Santa Claus volunteers, United Way of the Tri-Valley Area, members of the Chamber’s board of directors, and other area businesses and agencies.

The Food Program is now named in honor of local resident Gerry Wiles, who left us in October of 2010. As shared in a tribute to Mr. Wiles last year, ‘It would be Gerry’s personal request that wherever you are, whenever you can, do so much for a child as is possible by sharing your time, talents and values.

Chester Greenwood Day

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Chester Greenwood Day is our annual celebration of Farmington resident Chester Greenwood, the inventor of earmuffs. Greenwood was only fifteen when he designed the first pair of ear protectors out of wire, beaver fur, and cloth. At the age of nineteen, he acquired a U.S. patent. By age twenty-eight, the Chester Greenwood & Company factory was producing and shipping champion ear protectors worldwide. In 1936 the company had its biggest year producing 400,000 pairs.

The annual Chester Greenwood Day is hosted by the Franklin County Chamber of Commerce and takes place the first Saturday in December, bringing thousands to the area to watch and/or participate in the hour-long parade.

As you stroll through the downtown area, you'll see folks of all sizes and ages having great fun while shopping, enjoying food from the wonderful eateries, or enjoying a scenic horse and buggy ride through the downtown area. You may even run into one of Chester's family as many make the trek to Farmington each year to participate in the parade and visit with relatives who still live locally. Local student musicians and carolers also line the streets and corners sharing beautiful songs and carols for passerby.

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Seth Wescott & Franklin County Chamber of Commerce 21st Annual Scholarship Golf Classic

Location:  Sugarloaf Golf Course, Carrabassett Valley

In the past sponsors of this event have included Hight Family Dealerships, Franklin Savings Bank, Dead River Company, Bangor Savings Bank, Rob Elliott Excavation & Trucking, Otis Federal Credit Union, Foothills Chiropractic, Skowhegan Savings Bank, and Darling’s Family of Dealerships.  Hole sponsors:  ARC Enterprises, Ayotte’s Country Store, Home Auto, University Credit Union, Valley Gas & Oil, Mountainside Realty, Franklin Somerset Federal Credit Union, Kyes Insurance, A-Copi, The Bag & Kettle, Carrabassett Coffee Company, Osgood Flooring, Main-Land Development, United Insurance – Shiretown, Hannaford, Birchwood Interiors, and One Call Contracting.  We also had help with our prizes:  Hugs Italian, Calzolaio’s, Sugarbowl, Cape Neddick Country Club, The Homestead Kitchen, Mingo Springs Golf Course, Wilson Lake Country Club, Sugarloaf, Martindale Country Club, Waterville Country Club, Rising Tide Brewery, Belgrade Lakes Golf Club, Aroostook Valley Country Club, Calzolaio's, and Sunday River Golf Club.  Without the support of these sponsors we would not be nearly as successful in raising funds for scholarships.

The FCCOC supports local students continuing their education by offering scholarships to students who live in Franklin County.

The 2023 winning team was Foothills Chiropractic.  Thank you to all who came out to play and support the tournament!

Save the date for the next golf tournament on September 6, 2024!