A flag ceremony will open the 11th annual Gorham Marketplace at 10 a.m. Saturday in the Costello Field House at the Gorham campus of the University of Southern Maine.
Sponsored by Gorham Business & Civic Exchange, the Gorham Marketplace is an opportunity for local businesses to showcase products and services. It will feature more than 80 booths. The event also features live entertainment, demonstrations, children’s activities, food and cash drawings.
“It’s going great. We’re just waiting for the day,” Trish Moulton, president of the exchange and event chairwoman, said Tuesday about preparations.
Organizers expect to attract thousands. Moulton said usually 3,000 attend Marketplace. The event attracted 2,500 last year, despite a winter storm.
Admission and parking are free. The Gorham Recreation Department will shuttle people to the field house from parking lots on the campus.
A member of the board of directors, James Lockman, will be the master of ceremonies at opening flag ceremonies featuring Girl and Boy Scouts. Heather Ford, a professional singer who is a former Gorham resident, will sing the national anthem.
Gorham police, along with Gorham Fire and Rescue Department, will each provide demonstrations. Police Chief Ron Shepard said Tuesday his department would have a police cruiser on display and a “seat belt convincer.” Shepard said a person on a seat, which travels down an incline, could experience the feel of a 5 mph impact in a simulated car crash.
Several Gorham businesses will host product demonstrations on stage and the event also will have an entertainment stage. The always popular “Price is Right” game returns, along with games and bounce houses for kids.
Talent includes Miss Maine Teen Avery Barr of Gorham, Abbra Kadabra the Magician, D.J. Dave Winsor of 99.9 The Wolf, and the Joan Kennedy band. An area for teens will feature Guitar Hero, Dance Revolution and Wii video games.
Amato’s, Sebago Brewing Co., Gorham Grind and Mr. Bagel are among Gorham eateries that will serve up food and beverages.
Attending will pay off for lucky winners. There’ll be chances to win money with cash drawings at 11:15, 12:45 and 2:30 p.m.
“The theme this year is ‘springtime,’ so there will be lots of reasons to get out of the house, shed cabin fever and attend,” Moulton said.
The University of Southern Maine donates the use of its facilities for the event.
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