New Year Gorham (NYG) 2022 was an enormous success. The festivities started at 2 p.m. with ice skating at USM where hundreds of people took to the ice over two hours.
Photo credit: Becky Sither and Krista NadeauNYG Committee, L to R: Danielle Laughlin, Patricia Quang, Rebecca Sither, Albina Johnson. Other committee members not
in the photo: Virginia Wilder Cross, Donna Kennie, Douglas Johnson, Tom Hasbrouck (coordinator), Mark Eyerman, and Krista Nadeau
At the peak, it is estimated that more than 500 people were enjoying the events held at the Gorham Recreation Department and Gorham High School. “We are happy to report the best attendance in the last several years, going back to before COVID,” said Tom Hasbrouck, NYG committee director.
Families packed Shaw Gym to see unusual animals up close and personal, brought in by Wildlife Encounters. Down the hall, others were being entertained and awed by Mad Science of Maine, and many left with colorful balloon animals twisted up quickly by a Party Palooga balloon twister, or a delightful face painting.
At GHS, the door to the gym was open and music echoed out into the night. Sizzlin’ Suzzin’ kept the music spinning while Flamin’ Raymin’ kept everyone two-stepping, doing the pirate dance, or moving to the long-time hit YMCA.
Delicious food was brought in by Northern Force FIRST(R) Robotics Team 172. Those enjoying the food in the cafeteria were also able to learn about and watch robotics demonstrations. Across the hall in the library, and for the first time this year, award-winning mime Antonio Rocha worked with a group of willing participants, teaching mime to a story that would later be told and acted out in the auditorium. Also, new to the list of entertainers was Gorham’s own Timmy and the Sophomores.
Back by popular demand, ace fiddler Don Roy and his ensemble took center stage and were joined by the talented Arnott family. Attendees were also blessed with the sweet sounds of the GHS Chamber Singers and Gorham Community Chorus. World-renowned storyteller, Antonio Rocha charismatically told the story of the Frog Prince, reminding people to be kind to one another. Magician Matt Roberts had the audience fully engaged with his impressive magic and well-placed humor. Fun was had by all.
Everyone was excited that the forecasted rain turned out to be mere sprinkles. What was not forecasted was fog, which had rolled in. Despite that, the fireworks went off as planned. One attendee said her kids were excited to “see the sky change colors.” And with that, NYG 2022 came to a successful close. May you all have a healthy and happy 2023. The NYG Committee will see you there next year!