Organizers of Gorham Marketplace hope it ushers in spring this weekend by breaking up the lingering cold.

“Let’s hope the Gorham Business Exchange Marketplace event will bring in some warm weather,” Megan LaBrie, exchange executive director, said this week. “We are anxiously waiting for it.”

This year’s 18th annual Marketplace is set for 10 a.m.-3 p.m. on Saturday, March 28, at the Costello Field House on the Gorham campus of the University of Southern Maine.

Admission is free with plenty of free parking and shuttle service to the door.

“Marketplace is coming together great,” LaBrie said. “We are in our final week of preparation and looking forward to a great day.”

Marketplace showcases a variety of local products and services available for Gorham shoppers. Labrie said that the event had already attracted 65 vendors, with more registrations arriving this week. The event features entertainment, live demonstrations, children’s activities, cash giveaways and a food court in addition to business and municipal booths.

Labrie said “Marketplace mainstays” over the years include Po-Go Realty, Moody’s Collision Centers, Gorham Savings Bank, Casco Federal Credit Union, Amato’s, and the town of Gorham, along with the Gorham police and fire departments.

Representatives at Po-Go Realty in Gorham at Marketplace chat with prospective clients and get reacquainted with former ones. In a new Marketplace program this year, Po-Go is lending a hand to help the needy.

Peter Mason, a member of the family-owned business, said its van would provide a collection spot for people contributing non-perishable items for the Gorham Food Pantry. Po-Go is donating use of its truck, Mason said, that will be parked outside near the main entrance of the field house.

Marketplace opens with the Gorham Middle School chorus performing at 10 a.m.; Moody’s air bag deployment, 11 a.m. and 1:15 p.m.; Greater Portland School of Jukado, 11:30 a.m.; Dance Studio of Maine, 12:15 p.m.; Flamin’ Raymin’ and Sizzlin Suzzin’, 1:30 p.m.; and a sprint for kids at 2:45 p.m.

Activities for children include a bounce house, Velcro climbing wall, and inflatable obstacle course. The Portland Sea Dogs mascot, Slugger, will be at Marketplace.

Visitors attending Marketplace can even sign up for a new library card at the Baxter Memorial Library booth.

Because of this year’s wintry weather, the town’s fire prevention trailer won’t be at Marketplace. It’s stuck in the snow, Deputy Fire Chief Ken Fickett said on Tuesday.

But, Marketplace represents a venue where people can forget shoveling snow and shed the winter blues to meet neighbors and old friends. The event is expected to attract thousands.

For more information about Marketplace, call Labrie at 892-5515 or visit www.gorhambusiness.org.