GORHAM – Gorham is kicking off the New Year in grand style Friday with music, shows and horse-drawn rides to a variety of venues around town hosting performances.

A countdown to the New Year and fireworks at midnight caps this year’s celebration.

Cindy Hazelton, director of Gorham Recreation Department, said this week that the entertainment lineup features several new performers this year.

“It’s quite impressive,” Hazelton said.

Entertainment highlights include comedian Karen Morgan; Magic of Steelgraves; a traveling zoo; yo-yo champ; puppet show; Mad Science and a variety of singing groups and choirs. Common Ground Band will play from 10:15-11:55 p.m. in the Gorham High School gym.

Dave Eid of Channel 13 will lead a countdown to the New Year. Fireworks on the Gorham High School athletic fields are sponsored by Casco Federal Credit Union, Chalmers Insurance Group and Gorham Savings Bank.

Buttons costing $7 allow admission to all events. Shows will be held at Shaw Gym, Gorham High School, Gorham Municipal Center, Centre of Movement, Galilee Baptist Church, First Parish Church and the Odd Fellows Hall.

The buttons are available at Hannaford in Gorham, Baxter memorial Library, Gorham Copy Center, The Bookworm, Casco Federal Credit Union and Gorham Recreation Department.

Besides the horse-drawn wagon rides sponsored by Gorham Business Exchange, revelers have the option of riding to venues aboard a wheelchair accessible shuttle van sponsored by Home Instead Senior Services. Rides are free to those displaying buttons.

Free parking is available at Gorham Municipal Center and at the high school.

Hazelton said the weather forecast is favorable this year, but revelers will have the opportunity to wait indoors at the high school for the countdown and fireworks.

For a map of event locations and an update of New Year plans in Gorham. visit www.newyeargorham.org.