GORHAM – Gorham Business Exchange’s annual Marketplace, held March 29, attracted a bigger crowd this year.

“We had approximately 1,950 in attendance, up about 100 people from last year,” organizer Jeff Pike of Gorham Business Exchange said on Tuesday. “For the vendors, 74 organizations participated, compared to 66 last year.”

Kicking off spring in Gorham, Marketplace is held on the University of Southern Maine Gorham campus. Marketplace focuses on Gorham businesses, showcasing their services and products. The event includes demonstrations, entertainment, food and games.

The event afforded residents an opportunity to take advantage of the spring-like day on Saturday to greet neighbors and friends. Several people even attended with pets on leashes, and pets proved popular as their owners meandered through the crowd.

Andrea Page of Gorham was on hand with her 2-year old Great Dane, Layla, who appeared to love attention.

“She’s in her glory,” Page said, as Layla was greeted by Georgia Humphrey, manager of Gorham Community Access TV.

The Dance Studio of Maine performers packed the area surrounding the stage with a standing room only performance.

“It’s a nice show,” Gorham resident Bob Mountain said.

“The energy of this year’s event felt as though it was running at a very high level for the entire five hours,” Pike said. “The outstanding performances and the great variety of food we had this year along with our $100 cash prize for the booth hunt contest helped keep visitors engaged for the entire time.”

Hollis Cobb, finance officer for the Gorham School Department, tended to a school booth displaying student artwork. People asked whether the artwork was for sale, Cobb said.

Events and entertainment were scheduled for all ages, and young children found the bounce house fun. Pike said Rick Charette, the headline performer, “certainly helped bring out many young families.”

Pike said the Marketplace Committee would conduct a post-event review next week and set the stage for 2015.

“Formal work on next year’s event will begin in September,” Pike said.

Gorham Business Exchange promotes business in Gorham and can be reached by calling 892-5515.

Dance Studio of Maine performers draw a crowd at Marketplace last Saturday in Gorham.