FARMINGTON – In 1974, Tom Upham began a small retail business in his home that eventually became Northern Lights Hearth and Sports.

In 1995, Marty Farnum and Todd Richard bought the business and moved it to Front Street where the Front Street Cafe and Greenwoood Dining Room are now located. In 2004, they moved the business to its current location on Routes 2 and 4.

With warmer weather finally arriving, there is a tendency to forget about the home heating system. However, now is the best time to schedule an annual cleaning for pellet, wood, and gas devices. Call for a chimney cleaning now to make sure you get on the schedule.

This is also a great time to consider changing or upgrading your heating system. Early season specials are being offered, so call or stop by to check them out.

Northern Lights Hearth and Sports carries a wide range of makes and models with a variety of fuel sources. Harman, Regency, Vermont Castings, Jotul, Hearthstone are popular choices. Ravelli and Fahrenheit pellet stoves are a new offering.

For those that fondly remember visits to grandma and the meals cooked on her wood cook stove, Northern Lights Hearth and Sports carries Heartland, Hearthstone, and Stanley woodburning cook stoves. When the power goes out in the midst of a blizzard, this is a useful appliance to have.

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Outdoor cooking enthusiasts can find outdoor fire rings at Northern Lights Hearth and Sports. The grill that comes with it allows for easy campfire cooking in your backyard.

In addition to wood stoves and gas stoves or fireplaces, Northern Lights offers pellet stoves, furnaces, and boilers. All parts are carried and service is available for everything sold. Farnum said, “We have over 40 years experience servicing Western Maine and their alternative heating system needs.”

The highest quality pellets can be purchased – either by the bag or by the ton. The pellets are tested by an independent lab and are the best. “Not all pellets are the same,” Richard said.

Northern Lights Hearth and Sports also carries a full line of accessories for the fireplace or stove. Hearth boards, insulated chimney systems, and chimney liner systems are available and chimney relining is also offered. Cast iron cookware and utensils can be found as well as a new line of Maine-made wrought iron fireplace accessories and tools.

Spring is a great time to investigate the full service bike shop part of Northern Lights Hearth and Sports. Bicycles made by Kona, Salsa, Giant, Surly, and Orbea are in stock now. Bikes for all uses, from the child’s first 2-wheeler up to the highest level of competition, are available.

Mountain bikes and bikes with fat tires are becoming more popular. These bikes allow use in all types of terrain and weather. Fat bike demonstrations are also available. It’s important to select the bike best suited for what you will use it for and Northern Lights Hearth and Sports staff has the knowledge to help you do that.

Northern Lights Hearth and Sports has experienced mechanics to fix any malfunction. Bike fitting is also offered. 

Car rack systems by Thule are sold. All bike parts and accessories are available too.

Farnum said to look for the new and improved website, www.northernlightsmaine.com, or visit their Facebook page. To get all your questions answered, call or stop by the showroom and talk with Farnum, Richard, or one of their friendly, knowledgeable employees.