(Photo: WCSH6--auto-start video)
In 1873, 15-year old Chester Greenwood was ice skating in his hometown of Farmington, Maine. His ears were cold. It occurred to him that he could warm them by attaching tufts of fur to wire, which would clamp over his head firmly on his ears.
This is how earmuffs were invented.
Chester Greenwood is the most famous historical resident of Farmington. So every year, on the first Saturday of December, the people of Farmington celebrate Chester Greenwood Day. There's a grand parade of people and vehicles, musical performances, food, and wagon rides. The Portland Press-Herald describes it:
All parade participants must incorporate earmuffs in their floats. Afterward, an earmuff flag is raised at the courthouse. There’s also a polar dip on Clearwater Lake, and the town Christmas tree will be lighted.
In years past, there was a faux lockup where youngsters caught without earmuffs would be jailed, Ronald Greenwood said, but organizers aren’t going that far during this year’s festivities.
-via Weird Universe