GORHAM – Gorham’s newest celebration created plenty of smiles Saturday.

CommUNITY Gorham featured farm animals, dinners and wool spinning, along with civic group displays and demonstrations held at the historic Odd Fellows Hall, a block from the village square.

“Lots of smiling faces, a diverse crowd of ages and backgrounds, and networking among those interested in furthering their passion, all contributed to a successful day,” CommUNITY Gorham organizer Kristin Uhlig reported on Tuesday.

But despite its success, Uhlig, who had won the use of the hall in a silent auction, was undecided on Tuesday whether it would become an annual affair.

The event celebrated the agricultural roots of Gorham, founded in 1736. Gorham High School freshman Molly Merrifield demonstrated driving her yoke of steers on the College Avenue lawn at the historic Alexander McLellan house, now owned by Duane Dreger, one of the event hosts. Bruce Roullard, who owns the Odd Fellows Hall with Dreger, said it marked the first time in 150 years since oxen had been on the property.

Hosted by its archivists Brenda Caldwell and George Watson, the Gorham Historical Society spread a table with photos in a collection of memorabilia.

“We’ve run into everybody we know,” said Blanche Alexander of Gorham, enjoying the event.

Uhlig said Tom Paterson won the “So You Think You Know Gorham” contest and was awarded a copy of the history of the town. Alice Grover’s pumpkin spice whoopee pie with maple-cream filling was voted the best of five entered in that contest judged by Don Cross, Rep. Andrew McLean, Dahlia Lynn and Town Councilor Sherrie Benner.

Jenny Smith was spinning wool and Ginger Proulx was selling goat milk soap. Proulx’s daughter, Olivia, 9, led a goat through the crowd.

Camryn Caruso, 7, petted calves in a pen from Martins Place Farm.

“I thought it was a wonderful day with lots of activities and things to do,” said Jude Garland, who staffed the Gorham Ecumenical Commission bake sale. “There was a good variety of passions that people were willing to share, allowing people to become more informed and appreciative of all we have available to us in Gorham.”

Kristin Uhlig and her mother, Greta Uhlig, 96, get a visit from the Shorthorn steer Chester.  
Copy the Story Link