GORHAM – A spring tradition beginning as a trade show several years ago continues to blossom, with the 16th annual Gorham Marketplace on Saturday expected to attract thousands once again.

Virginia Wilder Cross founded the event 16 years ago as the Gorham Trade Show, held then in the gym at University of Southern Maine.

“We hoped to get about 25 vendors to show off their products and services,” Cross recalled this week.

But Cross and other organizers were excited to have more than 80 exhibitors.

“We filled the Hill Gym with booths, awarded prizes and pretty much wowed the town,” Cross said.

Now named Gorham Marketplace, the event, with free admission, will be held from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, March 30, in the Costello Field House on the university’s Gorham campus. Marketplace showcases wares and services available at Gorham businesses to consumers.

The event, sponsored by Gorham Business Exchange includes entertainment, demonstrations, a food court, cash prizes, dogs to pet, and children’s activities besides vendors. Parking is free with shuttle bus service.

“This is a great opportunity for folks to come out and learn more about the businesses here in town so they can shop local and further strengthen our local economy,” Becky Winslow, president of the exchange’s board of directors, said this week.

Dede Perkins, executive director of the exchange, said the event this year has 75 booths setting up 3-6 p.m. on Friday and early Saturday.

“Many vendors will be offering specials and raffling off prizes, one of which is a kayak,” Perkins said.

Kids activities include a bounce house and laser tag. Those attending will have an opportunity to open a bank account, get financial advice and buy Girl Scout cookies.

Features include the Gorham Middle School Band at 10:15 a.m.; Back in Motion Physical Therapy, 11 a.m.; Greater Portland School of Jukado, 11:30 a.m.; Dance Studio of Maine, noon; Gorham and Falmouth high schools’ robotic team, 12:45 p.m.; Moody’s air bag deployment, 1 p.m.; and a free Rick Charette concert, 1:15 p.m.

Gorham fire and police departments will be on hand with demonstrations and young kids can even sit in a Gorham police cruiser.

The event promises plenty of fun for all ages.

“We have a new game this year, based on ‘Minute to Win It.’ There will be a new game every half hour and both adults and kids will have the chance to win prizes and gift certificates,” Perkins said.

Organizers expect up to 2,000 to attend this year.

Cross, who will help staff the business exchange booth, said the first show was packed. “You could hardly move between the exhibitors and everyone loved it,” Cross recalled. “The rest is history – it’s been going strong ever since.”

Marketplace is an opportunity for the townspeople to meet their friends and neighbors.

“It has been a success over the years because of the tremendous sense of community here in Gorham,” Winslow said.