The 21st annual Marketplace is set for 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, March 31, in the Costello Sports Complex on the University of Southern Maine campus in Gorham. The event will again feature the Greater Portland School of Jukado in Westbrook pictured in 2017.

GORHAM — The 21st annual Marketplace sponsored by Gorham Business Exchange is a premier venue to greet spring, shed cabin fever blues and meet up with old friends and neighbors.

This year’s Marketplace takes place 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, March 31, at the University of Southern Maine fieldhouse in the Costello Sports Complex on the Gorham campus. Admission is free.

Anticipation for this year’s event is building. “We’re getting pretty excited for it,” Katie Sherman, executive director of the business exchange, said this week.

The annual event is a showcase for business’ to show the public their products and services available in Gorham. The event features booths, demonstrations, entertainment, children’s activities and food.

Sherman, office manager at Shamos Sealcoating, is expecting up to 60 vendors at the well-attended show. “We usually get 2,000 to 3,000 (people),” Sherman said.

She said last year the weather dumped 16 inches of snow on Marketplace day. “It still went on,” Sherman said.

Virginia Wilder Cross founded the show but is no longer actively involved. “Marketplace absolutely fulfills any expectations of mine,” Cross said. “I am so pleased the exchange recognizes the value of this kind of local trade show and that they continue the effort each year.”

The opening ceremony at 10 a.m. includes the Pledge of Allegiance led by local Girl Scouts followed by a youth group choir at 10:15 a.m.

Demonstrations include cheerleaders; Dance Studio of Maine; Greater Portland School of Jukado in Westbrook; Gorham Police Department K-9; and Moody’s air bag demo.

Booths include the American Journal, the town of Gorham School Department, and the police and fire departments. O’Donal’s Nursery will be on hand and the Farmers Market will have products to sell, Sherman said.

For children, a bounce house and face painting are favorite activities. The Easter Bunny and Slugger, mascot of the Portland Sea Dogs, will roam through the crowd and be available for photos.

A food court will include Amato’s, Cakes by Babbs, and Sweet Life with ice cream.

Showing its spirit, Marketplace provides an opportunity for a collection of goods and cash to benefit the Gorham Food Pantry.

At the same time, the university will host the 2018 Maine Science Olympiad with events in Bailey Hall and the Hill gym in the sports complex. The university is expecting more than 300 students from high and middle schools in Maine.

Parking is free and a shuttle will be available from USM parking lots to the event. Organizers are hoping for sunshine this year to live up to the Marketplace billing. “It’s like the first sign of spring,” Sherman said.

Robert Lowell can be reached at 854-2577 or [email protected]