Gorham Celebrates Its Small Business Community
February 28, 2004
In an era of big box retailers, one Maine town has decided
to embrace and celebrate its small business community with
an annual trade show that showcases local products and services.
The 7th annual Gorham Marketplace, scheduled from 10 a.m.
to 3 p.m., Saturday, March 13, in the USM Field House, is
expected to attract more than 100 exhibits and some 3,000
local citizens. Admission is free and open to the public.
The event, which is sponsored by the Gorham Business & Civic
Exchange, also features a food court staffed by Gorham restaurants;
two performance stages highlighting local organizations (among
them the Dance Studio of Maine, Greater Portland School of
Jukado, Gordy Johnson & Refuge, Centre of Movement, Ed Morris
Balloon Zoo, and the Village Tot Shoppe); a children's play
area; sign-ups for Gorham Recreation Department programs;
information on the Gorham Police Department's "KidCare ID"
program; and cash prize drawings funded by local businesses.
The 2004 marketplace also will feature slot car racing and
an appearance by Ed Getty, president of North East Legends
Car Auto Racing (NELCAR).
"The marketplace is not only one of Gorham's most popular
annual events," said committee chair Cindy Hazelton, "but
it also is one of the most important for local businesses
because it provides an affordable way to showcase their products
and services. We urge all citizens to join us on the 13th
as we recognize the benefits of a vibrant local business community.
We fully expect to fill the hall with exhibits, demonstrations,
kids' activities, food, and shoppers."
"It's not too late to sign up," said Virginia Wilder Cross,
executive director for the Business Exchange. "The only requirement
is that you be a member of the Exchange and that you want
to sell your product or service to people in Gorham. We'll
take care of the rest." Registrations are accepted until March
7.
For more information, contact Cindy Hazelton at 839-5034,
or Virginia Wilder Cross at 892-5515. Information and registration
forms are also available at http://www.gorhambusiness.org.
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