EASTON, Maine – On Saturday, Dec. 14, Aroostook County residents have a chance to win a free ton of coal at “Christmas in the County,” an open house event hosted by Center Farms Inc. from 1-4 p.m. in Easton.

Center Farms will hold a Christmas-themed open house and raffle off a voucher redeemable for one ton of the anthracite coal sold by the company. Participants can enter the raffle when they arrive, and a name will be drawn at the conclusion of the afternoon. Coal is currently cheaper than heating oil in northern Maine, and Center Farms hopes to attract new customers with a special discount on stoves and furnaces that are sold at the event.

Co-owner Elaine White expressed her anticipation for “Christmas in the County,” which will be held in the Center Farms showroom at 523 Houlton Road in Easton.

“We have been dedicated to bringing quality heating to this area for many years,” White said. “I think this open house will put everyone in the Christmas spirit and hopefully increase business for us.”

“Christmas in the County” will feature stove demonstrations and a presentation about the benefits of burning anthracite coal. Light refreshments will be provided, including coffee, hot chocolate and fresh doughnuts provided by a local Amish bakery. Santa Claus is expected to make an appearance at 3 p.m. and will announce the winner of the coal raffle.

Center Farms has a loyal customer base of 375 people, covering much of northern and central Maine. Those wishing to learn more about coal will have an opportunity Dec. 14 to speak with current customers, as well as owners Bruce and Elaine White.

“Coal may be a fossil fuel, but our coal burns cleaner than most people think,” Bruce White said. “Our goal is to educate the community about what is out there for affordable, alternative heating sources and to make a small difference for one lucky family this Christmas.”