Gorham’s annual Marketplace celebrates its 20th anniversary Saturday, April 1, at the Costello Field House at the University of Southern Maine.

GORHAM — The 20th annual Marketplace promises to be the place Saturday to greet neighbors, stay warm and think spring despite a threat of winter loitering outside.

It’s a celebration with family fun, food, cash prizes, demonstrations and entertainment, and organizers are predicting a possible record turnout.

“I think its going to be big,” said Katie Sherman, executive director of Gorham Business Exchange, which sponsors the event.

Marketplace is set for 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, April 1, at the Costello Field House at the University of Southern Maine, which is donating the space. Admission and parking with a shuttle service are free.

The event is a showcase for products and services offered by businesses, civic groups and industries in town. A new feature this year, Sherman said, is a mini farmers market.

In the past, Marketplace usually draws about 2,000 visitors, but Sherman said this year it also could draw another 2,00o visitors from an unrelated event in the gym adjacent to the fieldhouse.

Those attending Marketplace will find about 80 vendor booths this year including the American Journal and Forecaster newspapers. Sherman said a re-vamped floor plan for booths will be horseshoe-shaped. “Nobody has a bad spot,” she said.

Entities participating at Marketplace with vendor booths will include Moody’s Collision Centers, municipal government, schools and public safety. Kids will have an opportunity to sit in a police cruiser on display.

Magician Phil Smith will perform with illusions on the floor. Entertainment also includes Jukado, performances by local dancers and a community chorus.

Children will stay busy with activities like face painting, a bounce house, 4-H demonstration and a climbing wall.

Marketplace offers a real taste of Gorham in the food court. Vendors are Sebago Brewing Company, Amato’s, Aroma Joe’s, Cakes by Babbs and School Street Pub.

Marketplace is also a convenient venue for visitors to remember the needy with  food or cash donations to the Gorham Food Pantry.

For Sherman, the 20th anniversary marks her first as executive secretary for the business exchange. “I’m really excited and really nervous,” Sherman said.

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