New Year Gorham’s 10th year will welcome 2018 with the best celebration yet, featuring new talent as well as favorite performers from previous years. Last January, to make sure the 10th year would be extraordinary, the NYG planning committee began seeking and recruiting new talent. The result is a program filled with music, comedy, visual art, robotics, choral singing, small ensembles and solo performers, as well as fireworks and countless surprises.
“We are pleased to announce something new this year,” said Bruce Roullard, a long-time member of the NYG planning committee. “A professional ice sculptor will create two amazing sculptures in the gazebo area next to the Baxter Memorial Library during the day on Saturday December 30. They will be unveiled and lighted at 4 p.m. on New Year’s Eve, and we hope families will take advantage of this unique photo opportunity!”
For families looking for some exercise before things get started later on, USM has once again offered the use of its ice rink from 3–5 p.m. Ice skating is open at no charge for people wearing this year’s lanyard. (People must have their own skates as rentals are not available.)
Other events geared for young families will begin at 3:30 p.m. in the Shaw Gym area of the Municipal Center. Wild animals, art and science, puppets, magic, face painting, and snacks will all be on hand. Kids of all ages can make and take a New Year Gorham puppet with some help from Dana Perkins (puppeteer extraordinaire!). All materials will be provided and parents are welcome be creative, too!
Meanwhile, folks who enjoy choral music will find their niche in the Council Chambers, also in the Municipal Building, where the Gorham Community Chorus will perform beginning at 5 p.m. Following the chorus, the ever-popular Don Roy Trio will liven up the chambers with some mighty fine fiddling!
Back for the second year, the Gorham and Falmouth High School Robotics Team #172 will provide a family-friendly menu in the NYG Café at the high school cafeteria between 5–7 p.m. They will also offer snacks at Shaw Gym during the afternoon activities there.
Dean Richardson, local singer and songwriter, will provide live entertainment during café hours and the robotics team will take a break from serving food to demonstrate its amazing robot in the GHS gym at 5 p.m.
Beatles fans will want to be at the Gorham Performing Arts Center (GHS) from 5–6 p.m. to see Studio Two present The Touring Years of the favorite fab four. The group will return to the stage for a second Pre Sgt. Pepper Era concert between 6:30-7:30 p.m.
If improv comedy is what you like, then you’ll want to be in the gym at GHS beginning at 6 p.m. “Running With Scissors” improvisational entertainment appeals to people who really like to laugh out loud, and who might be called upon to volunteer to help.
The final main stage performance features Matt Roberts, an amazing magician/illusionist who has performed on stage all over the country. He was nominated for two Emmys for his well known PBS show “The Power of Giving.” His humor is appropriate for all ages, and his magic will not disappoint. Roberts depends on lots of help from his audience, so come ready to be on stage.
The evening will come to a close with a fabulous fireworks display at around 9 p.m.
The Town of Gorham, local businesses and individuals contributed generously to sponsor much of the entertainment, which keeps the cost of admission the same as previous years: $5 for individuals and $20 for families with more than two children. The committee has ordered plenty of lanyards, so everyone should be able to receive one for the admission cost.
Lanyards and complete schedule details are available at Hannaford in Gorham, Gorham Rec. Department, and Baxter Memorial Library. The $20 family packages are available only at the Gorham Rec. Dept. Additional information is available on Facebook and www.newyeargorham.org.