A mural celebrating the legacy of the Gorham Pageant of Bands will be officially revealed next month. The event on June 7, from 12:00 to 2:00 PM, will be held outside the Old Mill Restaurant on Main Street in Gorham. Hosted by the Marcus Whitman Band & Guard Boosters, the event will include a performance by the Marcus Whitman Marching Wildcat Band, guest speakers, free refreshments, and a formal dedication ceremony at 1:00 PM. Alumni, community members, and supporters of the project are invited to attend.
Titled “Bandstand,” the mural honors the history and legacy of the Gorham Pageant of Bands, featuring various uniforms worn by the Marcus Whitman Marching Wildcat Band, as well as tributes to pageant founder Jack Bullock and longtime director Robert Steele. The mural was created in collaboration with Mural Mania, best known for their work creating the world’s longest mural trail along the Erie Canal.
Established in 1960, the Gorham Pageant of Bands stood as a cherished local tradition for nearly 60 years, bringing together tens of thousands of student musicians from across Upstate New York and beyond. At its peak, the pageant drew more than twenty thousand spectators annually, serving as the gem of the Marcus Whitman community and one of New York State’s premier celebrations of the arts.
The project was funded exclusively through donations from community members, local businesses, and civic organizations. The Gorham Rotary Club graciously served as the project’s Presenting Donor. Additional information about the project and unveiling celebration can be found on the Marcus Whitman Marching Wildcats’ Facebook page.
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