Rockland — Goodwill Industries of Northern New England invites shoppers to its premiere annual event, the Goodwill Bridal and Prom Showcase.

Hundreds of new and gently used dresses in contemporary styles will be for sale, including prom, wedding gown, bridesmaid, mother of the bride and special occasion dresses.

The event will be held Saturday, April 9 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Rockland Goodwill Retail Store, located at 202 Camden St. Celebration activities include prize drawings every half hour, the opportunity to meet with wedding professionals and model volunteers showcasing a variety of dresses. The event is free and open to the public.

This is the fourth year Goodwill has hosted the Bridal and Prom Showcase. Previous events were held in Augusta and Portland. Joy Rodrigue, Rockland Store Manager, said in a news release that she has even higher hopes for this year’s event. “In these tough times, it is important to offer alternatives for formal wear. Everyone is looking for ways to save money and spend less in this economy. There is no need to spend hundreds of dollars on a dress, when you can spend a fraction of that and look just as great.”

Dresses range in price from $9.99 to $299. Gently used dresses will be available for $9.99 and there will also be high end gowns available for $299 (which retail at $6,000). Rodrigue also said, “In addition to formal wear, shoppers will also be able to peruse a wide selection of shoes, pashmina shawls, jewelry, and accessories.” Dresses will be available in the store all weekend.

As part of the event, a Rockland store employee will be renewing her vows with her husband at 1:30 p.m. on the day of the event.

Proceeds from the sale of dresses will help fund Goodwill’s job training and support services in northern New England. The event is co-sponsored by several local businesses, including All Aboard Trolley Company, Chelsea’s Baskets, Home Depot, Lisa Lynn Photo, Mama Rosa Wedding Cakes, Shelley’s Flowers & Gifts and Skin Klinic & Day Spa.