While the weather is being fickle, making us wonder when spring will finally arrive; there is one event that we know marks the start of spring—the Gorham Marketplace. It takes place at the USM Costello Field House on Saturday, March 31, from 10 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

If you haven’t been, you may be wondering what the Gorham Marketplace is. Hosted by the Gorham Business Exchange, Marketplace is an annual event started two decades ago as a way to help connect local businesses with its community. More than fifty Gorham-based businesses will be on display around the Field House, offering information on their quality products and services. There is also a chance to sign up for vendor prizes as well as opportunities to win cash prizes.

Not only will you meet many local business owners, it’s also an opportunity for Gorham youth to showcase their outstanding talents. The Dance Studio of Maine and the Greater Portland School of Jukado are two Marketplace mainstays that give the youth a chance to perform. Year after year they impress their spectators. Other exciting performances include the Gorham Middle School Chorus, Elite Cheering, Phil Smith – the magic on the move magician, and a K-9 demonstration by the Gorham Police Department. Moody’s will demonstrate air bag deployment as it has every year since the first Marketplace in 1998.

Kids will not want to miss the many fun activities offered at the Kid’s Corner. There will be a face painting station, a 4-H demonstration, a bounce house and a velcro wall. The Easter Bunny will also be at the Marketplace this year as well as Slugger, the Portland Sea Dogs team mascot.

If you get hungry, there’s no need to worry. Some great local food vendors will be there to help with your food and drink needs. Amato’s, Cakes by Babs, and Aroma Joe’s will all be selling delicious goods. Visitors will also have the opportunity to purchase a variety of products from Gorham Farmer’s Market vendors.

Visitors should know that food or cash donations will also be collected for the Gorham Food Pantry. The Gorham Food Pantry serves those in Gorham facing food insecurities. Gorham’s supportive community allows the Food Pantry to continue to be able to help our neighbors in need. Items needed include dry cereal/flavored oatmeal, canned plain tomato sauce, cream soups, toothbrushes, toothpaste, liquid dish detergent, jelly (squeeze), kids snacks, bottled fruit juice, snack juices, canned peaches/pears, and boxed potato mixes. A collection truck, sponsored by Po-Go Realty, will be parked in front of the Field House.

This event draws many visitors for several reasons. The first is that admission is FREE. Because of the large crowd that attends this event annually, there is a shuttle available between the parking lots, so no worries if you have to park a little further than you’d like.

So mark your calendar for the Gorham Marketplace to visit more than fifty Gorham business owners, enjoy live entertainment and demonstrations, sample/purchase food from local area food vendors, and be entered to win cash prizes. This is an event that is fun for the entire family. See you on March 31!