Going Places with Dina Guzzardo
As we say goodbye to summer we say hello to fall with all of its vibrant foliage, spiced pumpkin lattes, and crisp refreshing air that many of us look forward to. Margate certainly knows how to mark the beginning of fall with their annual fall fest, which is taking place this year all over the town on Saturday, September 26th.
The events this year will be a mix of virtual and in-person activities, giving everyone a chance to enjoy the festival. The entire town will be decorated with classic fall fest themed décor, focusing on the local businesses. On the day, there will be strolling acoustic musicians, characters for kids, photo opportunities, entertainers, and virtual contests. The Congo Falls Adventure Golf will be open all weekend for family fun so make sure you bring your competitive side as things may heat up!
Local Margate businesses will be hosting sidewalk sales where you can indulge in some holiday shopping. Following the Governor’s new Executive Order which allows indoor seating at 25% capacity, restaurants will offer both indoor and outdoor dining allowing you to treat yourself to Margate’s food scene. Some of the popular restaurants in Margate include Two Cents Plain (9305 Ventnor Ave), the ice cream parlor famous for their waffles and huge sundaes, Maynard’s Café (9306 Amherst Ave) who have a beautiful Starlite Garden serving up cocktails and tasty bar food, and Ventura’s Greenhouse Grill Ocean View (106 S Benson Ave) with delicious, fresh seafood.
A great activity for kids and adults alike is the Pumpkin Decorating Contest. Channel your inner Picasso and create a pumpkin masterpiece that could be in with the chance of winning one of three prizes. All you have to do is take a picture of your imaginative creation and submit it by September 26, and the top three winners will be announced on the day. Email photos of your creations to this address: info@margatehasmore.com
Additionally, the organizers want to see full effort from all local businesses and will be holding a business decorating contest. Visitors can then take a photograph outside of their favorite decorated business and send it to the email address above for a chance of winning a prize.
For pet owners, The Pet Salon will be operating “Pics With Pets” where professional photographer Tom Briglia will be on hand to take your holiday pictures of you and your four-legged friend. You can get your pictures taken from 11 am-3 pm at The Pet Salon (Essex Ave). Fees do apply and a portion of the profits will be donated to the MBA.
Find your favorite store in Margate and make a purchase because you could end up winning something from that store in the “Receipts are all the Rage” competition. All you need to do is take a picture of the receipt and send it to this email address: info@margatehasmore.com. Three winners will be selected at random to receive a gift certificate from that store.
Finally, The Great Pumpkin Scavenger Hunt will have you running around Margate frantically searching for the plastic pumpkins the organizers will plant outside various businesses. Once you find a plastic pumpkin, make sure you open it up to reveal the prize tag which can then be brought into the businesses to be exchanged for a prize! Make sure you look thoroughly, as I have a feeling the organizers are not going to make it easy!
Margate Business Association has put their heart and soul into this event to make sure annual festival-goers are not missing out this year. They have considered all possible attendees and create a schedule of events that allows everyone to enjoy the festival, regardless of if you are choosing to self-isolate or are able to get outside. MBA president, Ed Berger, said “We are taking the Fun from Funfest and spreading it all over town. We want everyone to welcome in the Fall safely and with a smile, even if we can’t see it behind your masks.”
The end of summer may be disappointing for some, but that means it is the Fall-lovers’ time to shine. Fall Funfest is the perfect way to start the season, wear your coziest fall sweater, and support all the fantastic small businesses in Margate.
Dina Guzzardo is the President and Executive Promoter of Dina Media Group LLC. Dina Media Group is an innovative cutting edge event production and marketing company that produces and promotes large events as well as a talent agency that manages some incredible talent. www.dinamediagroup.com
