GORHAM – For the first time, the University of Southern Maine will team up with the town of Gorham for its annual New Year’s celebration.
New Year Gorham gets under way this year at noon on Dec. 31 with snow sculpting at a site off College Avenue at the university’s Gorham campus.
Joshua Wolfe, a senior at the college majoring in leadership and organizational studies, has taken over as executive director of New Year Gorham. Wolfe, who met with the university’s president, Theodora Kalikow, and other school officials, was instrumental in incorporating the university into the town’s celebration.
Virginia Wilder Cross, event founder, said on Monday she’s involved this year as a New Year Gorham committee member and treasurer.
“My role is minimal, although my heart and soul are invested in this event, so it is not easy to let my baby go,” she said.
Cross said Wolfe works under the guidance of the committee members. Wolfe had worked in the past on the auction that helps support the event and this year accepted the opportunity to take the helm.
Cross said this year marks the first occasion the university has been involved in the festivities.
“The town of Gorham and USM have been working hard to create a better collaborative; that is, for the town to be more involved at USM and the university more involved in the town,” Wilder said.
Town Manager David Cole said New Year Gorham offers a number of family activities in Gorham Village.
“With increased participation from USM, it expands the number of activities for people to attend the event,” Cole said.
Kalikow will serve on a panel of four judges for the sculpturing, along with the Rev. David Butler, First Parish Congregational Church pastor, and his wife, Maureen Butler. The university will also open its doors at its campus ice arena from 2:30-4 p.m. for family skating.
The university’s involvement this year could be just a first step in an expanded role.
“At some point, I would love to use all the USM property for this event, but there are several hoops we would need to jump through before we can make that a reality,” Cross said. “So, this year we are taking a few steps to see how that might work at some future time.”
“The town has a good working relationship with USM that extends beyond the New Years Gorham event,” Cole said.
Admission to the slate of numerous events throughout the day and evening is $5. Buttons are available at Hannaford in Gorham, Casco Federal Credit Union and Gorham Recreation Department in the municipal center. The $20 passes for a family can be purchased only at Gorham Recreation Department before Monday, Dec. 30.
Last month, a record-setting auction fundraiser for New Year Gorham netted $4,400, nearly $1,500 more than last year, event organizers posted on its website.
Volunteers are linking up with the university, business sponsors, Gorham police and fire departments, public works, and Gorham Recreation to present the festival.
“We will be supervising and sponsoring the snow sculpture up at USM this year and hosting entertainers in Shaw Gym and multipurpose room,” Gorham Recreation Director Cindy Hazelton said.
The Centre of Movement on State Street is hosting a family variety show from 7:45-8:45 p.m. Other celebration features held at various locations throughout Gorham Village include comedy, music, juggling, puppets and a zoo. Performers include comedian Randy Judkins, fiddler Don Roy and the Maine Marimba Ensemble.
Wolfe said the ensemble makes its initial New Year Gorham appearance. Also a first, a university student jazz trio will perform at both First Parish Church and the high school.
For those working up an appetite outside creating snow sculptures or skating, the First Parish Church, corner of School and Church streets, at 5 p.m. is hosting a spaghetti supper. The cost is $8, and $4 for children age 12 and under.
Fireworks at Gorham High School cap the evening at 10 p.m.
New Year Gorham is traditionally well attended despite the usually dipping temperatures and draws from neighboring communities.
Those who wish to reserve space for snow sculpturing should contact Wolfe at Joshua.wolfe@maine.edu or call 409-7361.
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