New Year Gorham’s 11th year is definitely NOT the “same old-same old.” This year’s program will not only offer a number of exciting new performances featuring local talent, it will expand into more space in Gorham’s municipal building complex.

Early last January, the planning committee recognized the importance of keeping NYG fresh, fun, and entertaining, and as a result, three new goals were set: first, to seek different kinds of performances; second, to scout and recruit local artists; and finally, to evaluate which shows audiences look forward to each year.

“We believe we succeeded in reaching all three goals,” said committee member Bruce Roullard. “We are excited to announce that this year we will include, for the first time, a fully staged puppet show featuring the extraordinary puppeteers from Portland’s Shoestring Theatre. In addition, kids and adults alike will be amazed by a uniquely talented Portland area balloon artist.

“But wait, there’s more. Michael Trautman (aka King Pong) will astound the audience with his world-famous Ping Pong Rodeo. Michael has performed locally, nationally, and internationally, and he will be right here in Gorham on New Year’s Eve,” added Roullard.

This year’s celebration will also feature performers that have won notable awards. Odds ‘n Ends Barbershop Quartet recently won the 2018 Northeastern District Barbershop Quartet Championship, and they will harmonize for us this year. While the quartet is new to us, the tenor is not – Jonas Rimkunas was part of a high school quartet that sang for NYG ten years ago.

The Don Roy Trio, comprised of Don and Cindy Roy who recently received the National Endowment of Arts National Fellowship award recognizing their talent as well as their commitment to performing art, will bring their Acadian instruments to entertain us for the 10th time.

The program will also include Gorham’s own Dance Studio of Maine. These dancers (new to NYG, but not new to our community) have entertained audiences here in Gorham, in the Portland area and even at Madison Square Garden. Their energy and enthusiasm for dancing creates an unforgettable performance each time they dance.

“There’s a whole lot more to look forward to this year,” according to committee member Pastor Tom Hasbrouck. “Our local collaboration once again includes USM, where the ice arena is open for families to enjoy in the afternoon; the NYG Café has extended its serving time from 5:00-7:00 p.m.; some favorite performers will return; and the evening will end at a family-friendly 9 p.m. with a fabulous fireworks display. There’s more, but we don’t want to reveal all the surprises before New Year’s Eve!”