WESTBROOK – The Westbrook Gorham Community Chamber of Commerce, sponsors of this year’s fourth Gorham Founders Festival, have produced a schedule packed with family activities, shows, amusement rides and a fireworks finale.

“Things are looking really good for the festival,” said Darryl Wright, festival director. “We have more sponsors, vendors and local groups than in past years.”

The two-day festival is set for Friday, July 25, and Saturday, July 26, at the field adjacent to the Narragansett Elementary School on Main Street.

“We are hoping to attract more than 5,000 people to the event,” Wright said.

Gorham, originally a land grant known in its early days as Narragansett No. 7, this year observes its 250th anniversary of the town’s incorporation in 1764. Settler John Phinney served as the town’s first moderator and his descendant, Michael Phinney, is coincidently the present-day chairman of the Town Council.

The town authorized a plaque commemorating the 250th milestone. Michael Phinney said the plaque, which he hasn’t seen yet, has arrived in town and would ultimately be permanently placed in the Gorham Municipal Center.

But, Phinney said, the plaque would first be available for an early public viewing at the festival. Wright said the plaque would be displayed during the founders festival opening reception recognizing the Hamblen family at 5:30 p.m. on July 25.

Wright said silent and live auctions to benefit the festival would be held at the reception. Amusement rides and games get under way on Friday and the band Motor Booty Affair performs from 7-9 p.m. High-energy juggler Jason Tardy will perform from 6-7 p.m.

Festival goers can get started on Saturday with breakfast at the festival. Camp Susan Curtis is hosting a pancake breakfast from 7-10 a.m. under a tent. Tickets are $4; $6 with sausages; and children age 5 and under eat free. The fundraiser benefits needy Maine children. A 5K road race, finishing at the festival, starts at 8 a.m.

Saturday entertainment throughout the day includes the strolling magician Phil Smith, 10 a.m.-noon; children’s music with Grammy nominee Judy Pancoast, 11 a.m.-noon; Wayne from Maine children’s music, noon-1 p.m.; Party Palooga balloon twisting show, 1-2 p.m.; Moore, Wild & Lynch music, 2-3 p.m.; Devine music, 4-5 p.m.; Russell Roderick mind reader, 6-7 p.m.; Janie’s Sister, 7-9 p.m.; and fireworks cap the festival, 9 p.m.

The L.L. Bean Boot Mobile will be on hand from 8-10 a.m. on Saturday. Several local mascots including the Portland Sea Dogs Slugger, Maine Red Claws Crusher, and Otto the Moose will be available for photos.

“The volunteers from the committee have put in countless hours for this event and have worked hard to make it an event that Gorham will be proud of,” Wright said.

A CLOSER LOOK

For an updated schedule for the Gorham Founders Festival, see https://sites.google.com/site/gorhamfoundersfestival2014/.