Farmington

Farmington was settled just after the Revolutionary War and incorporated in 1974 and is the county seat for Franklin County.

The community's rolling 54 square miles serve as the cultural, educational, social and shopping center of Franklin County. With a population of 7,450, Farmington is known for its thriving downtown and the campus of the University of Maine at Farmington, which attracts 2,000 students each year. The university is a vital part of Farmington's community, which blends traditional New England values with the benefit of modern ideas and fresh voices.

There is always something to do in Farmington. The downtown features shops of all kinds, restaurants, and a five-screen cinema. Year-round, festivals, fairs and celebrations add to the joy of living here. The town has its own radio station, twice-weekly newspaper, a ski slope and a Historical Society museum.

One of the biggest highlights of the year in Farmington is the Franklin County Fair held during the third week in September. The fair has been held since 1840 and features several exhibition halls filled with award winning produce crafts and demonstrations. The fair also offers livestock shows, entertainment, harness racing and a midway thriving with a wide variety of rides, games and treats.

A parade is held on the first Saturday in December honoring Chester Greenwood. Born here in 1858, Chester Greenwood invented earmuffs at the age of 15. Townspeople and visitors gather to honor and celebrate Chester Greenwood wearing their ear protectors as they were called back then.

Opera singer, Lillian Nordica was also born in Farmington, Maine in 1857 and resided here until she entered the New England Conservatory of Music. She was the first signer to be heard in the new Trocadero in Paris, France and in the 1890's, her association with the Metropolitan Opera House in New York brought her great acclaim. Mrs. Nordica is remembered today with Nordica Hall at the University of Maine at Farmington and Nordica Day is observed every August 17th.

Kent Wiles, President | Laurie Blake, Executive Director
407 Wilton Road | Farmington, Maine 04938
Tel. (207) 778-4215 | Fax: (207) 778-2438 | Email: info@fwcoc.org