Although winter weather pelted the area, the 10th annual Gorham Marketplace was a success, organizers said this week, and planning for next year gets under way next week.
“It didn’t seem to matter,” said Virginia Wilder Cross, event founder and co-chair for this year’s 10 annual show at the Gorham campus of the University of Southern Maine, about the winter storm.
The Gorham Business & Civic Exchange sponsors the event.
Cross said estimates pegged the show’s attendance at 2,500, down only about 500 from last year. “We’re so pleased,” Cross said. “I didn’t expect that turnout given the weather.”
She said a university crew worked hard to keep the area outside the Costello Sports Complex clear of ice and snow. The storm did delay the official opening of the show, which fell on St. Patrick’s Day, but doors opened on time at 10 a.m. and no one was turned away. John Richardson, commissioner of the Maine Department of Economic and Community Development, addressed the crowd in opening ceremonies.
The show closed at 3:30 p.m., 30 minutes later than planned to accommodate the crowd. At 12:30 p.m., Cross couldn’t believe the “mob” that braved the weather and tough traveling to attend the show.
“It was treacherous. The worst driving all year,” said Dana Redmond, executive director of the Gorham Business & Civic Exchange.
Nearly all 100 vendors braved the inclement weather to help make the show a success. “The vendors forged ahead,” Cross said.
The American Red Cross mobile unit was on the scene outside, but because of slippery walking conditions the blood drive was the only casualty of the day. One of the three judges in competition for best booth, whose car slid off a road into a ditch, was unable to attend the show.
Top honors in the juried competition for the best booth went to the business Back In Motion Physical Therapy.
The people’s choice for the best booth was won by the West Gorham Union Church.
Four lucky winners each received a check for $250 in cash drawing held throughout the event.
Cross said folks loved the “Price is Right” show, an addition this year hosted by Patricia Moulton, president of the exchange, playing the role of TV host Bob Barker. “She did a fabulous job,” Cross said.
Organizers will meet Monday to discuss the event and begin planning for next year.
Redmond praised the effort to make the show possible despite the conditions.
“It shows how much Marketplace means to the community,” Redmond said. “It was great.”
Marketplace survives St. Pat’s storm
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