Created on April 8, 1808, and named after Parma, Italy, the Town of Parma, New York encompasses 41.96 square miles and is located between latitude 43.260N and longitude -77.796W. According to the 2000 U.S. Census Bureau, the population of Parma was 14,822.  A Town Board consisting of a Town Supervisor and four Councilpersons elected by registered town voters governs the town.

The Town of Parma has a very active religious community. The landscape has a rural flavor with a low population density of 364 people per square mile. The Monroe County Sheriff’s Department provides law enforcement. The Hilton Fire Department consists of 57 volunteer fire fighters, EMS associates, and auxiliary members. A big event that draws together community and friends is the annual Hilton Fire Department parade and carnival. This event raises funds that contribute to the operation of the fire department.

The town of Parma is bordered on the south by the town of Ogden, on the west by the towns Hamlin, Clarkson, and Sweden, on the east by the town of Greece, and on the north by Lake Ontario. People living in the southern portion attend the neighboring Spencerport Central schools. According to the 2000 U.S. Census Bureau, 89% of the population are high school graduates or higher, and 21.6% have a bachelor’s degree or higher. Today, the Hilton Central School District is the largest local employer.

The Hilton Central School District consists of three elementary schools (Northwood, Village, and Quest), one middle school (Merton Williams Middle School), and one high school (Hilton Central High School). Quest Elementary is a PYP International Baccalaureate accredited school. Hilton Central High School offers an International Baccalaureate Diploma Program.

The Village of Hilton resides within the Town of Parma that is in Monroe County and the Rochester Metro area. A mayor and four trustees govern the village. The village has a total area of 1.7 square miles with a population density of 3494.2 people per square mile.

Many residents commute to work in the City of Rochester and surrounding areas. The average commute time is 23.8 minutes. Less than 1% of commuters use public transportation (including taxicab) because the village does not have regular bus lines. However, park-and-ride is available. The median household income was $51,336 in 1999 and the median family income was $57,440. At the time of the 2000 census, the per capita income in Parma was $22,431, compared with $21,587 nationally. In 2005, the median value of homes was estimated at $118,700.

Every year during the fall, Zarpentine Farms, located on Burritt Road, features a 20-acre corn maze. This maze is one of the largest corn mazes in the country. Zarpentine Farms also features a farm market, baked goods, freshly pressed apple cider, and a corn cannon.

The Hilton Apple Fest is the community’s most popular and far-reaching annual event. Started in 1981 by two local executives, the event has grown and today boasts 200 craft booths, 24 food booths and draws close to 70,000 people. The festival offers free family entertainment and celebrates the area apple growers, community, and harvest season. The committee donates $5,000 each year to a selected community organization.