Season 22 “American Idol” finalist Julia Gagnon, of Maine, is the featured attraction as New Year Gorham will present a packed schedule of events, demonstrations, stage shows and fireworks on New Year’s Eve.

“We’ve planned an amazing program this year that includes new attractions, others returning by popular request and features Julia Gagnon’s band, Julia Haven,” New Year Gorham founder Virginia Wilder Cross said in a Dec. 17 email to Westbrook-Gorham Now.

Activities are centered at Gorham Recreation Department, 75 South St.; Gorham High School, 41 Morrill Ave.; and Baxter Memorial Library, 71 South St.

Tickets are available online and the cost, $7, covers entry to all events. Free indoor ice skating will be open at the University of Southern Maine Arena on the Gorham campus.

New Year Gorham coordinator Andrew Margison said this year’s program is shaping up well. “Planning is in full swing, community engagement has been strong, and we are seeing a lot of excitement from families, volunteers and local partners,” Margison said. “The event continues to focus on being a safe, family-friendly way for people of all ages to celebrate New Year’s Eve right here in Gorham.”

Shows on the main stage at the high school Performing Arts Center include the high school chorus, Gorham’s own internationally known Don Roy Trio, Gorham Community Chorus and acoustic guitar player-singer Graci Gillen, besides Julia Haven.

“We are placing a strong emphasis on local talent this year,” Margison said.

Wilder Cross also said a new feature this year is a teen dance party at the high school gym with a DJ.

Features at the Recreation Department include face painting, kids silent dance party in the glow room, bounce inflatable obstacle course, craft corner and “mad science.”

Wildlife Encounters with real animals will have two shows in the library.

“The goal is to offer something for everyone, from younger children and teens to adults, while highlighting local talent, organizations, and businesses that make Gorham such a strong community,” Margison said.

There’s something cooking as food aplenty will be served up. “The Gorham High School robotics team will serve snacks at Shaw Gym and offer family foods in the New Year Gorham Cafe from 5:30 to 8 p.m. in the high school cafeteria,” Wilder Cross said. There will also be a new fried dough food truck available this year.

This is Margison’s first year as the event coordinator.

“It has been exciting to see everything come together as we get closer to event day,” he said. “One of my first steps as coordinator this year was creating a dedicated website for New Year Gorham so the community had an easy way to help sponsor the event, view the full schedule, and purchase event tickets online from home.”

For more information, events, places and times, visit newyeargorham.com.