By: Valerie Lonkart
Back for its twentieth year, the Margate Fall Funfest will have two days of fun, food, and festivities for people (and dogs) of all ages.
Held along the bay between Coolidge and Washington Avenues, the Fall Funfest is an annual two-day block party that brings crafters, food, live music, bounce houses, back bay nature tours, educational exhibits, and kids’ activities together.
Over 65 artisans will be offering a variety of handmade crafts, including pottery, photography, paintings, décor, culinary specialties, candles, soaps, jewelry, and more. Revelers can enjoy live music from two stages throughout both days. Everything from country to rock to reggae will keep the atmosphere festive. And of course, there will be plenty of food to fit every palate.
New this year, the Colmar Home Center will be sponsoring a Cornhole Tournament on Saturday. The tournament is free, open to everyone of all ages, and offers cash prizes. Participants can register at margatehasmore.com.
Ray Scott’s Dock will be hosting “Wetland Wonderland” with a slew of new activities, including goats from Angels in the Pines Goat Farm, a Marine Mammal Stranding Center Exhibit, turtle release, DJ Crazy Train, songs and facts about turtles from The Turtle Experience, South Jersey Surfrider Foundation, local wildlife artists Jeff Quicksall and Barry Winakur, as well as back-bay eco kayak tours. Reservations are suggested, and there is an admission fee. For more information about this educational wonderland, please contact Ray Scott’s Dock at 609-822-6819.
Little ones can enjoy a character parade complete with autographs and pictures with Snow White, Woody, Chewbacca, Buzz Lightyear, and Superhero Minion. There will also be children’s gymnastic and yoga demonstrations, games, giveaways, and more.
After the family fun of the day is done, adults can don costumes and head to Scarefest (Funfest) After Dark on Saturday from 7:30 to 11 p.m. Live music by Mas Tequila Orchestra will keep the party lively. Tickets for the after dark party are $25 at the door, $20 online. A portion of the proceeds benefits the Margate Business Association, with the rest benefitting local charities.
The Steve & Cookies Annual Dog Show will be held Sunday, September 26th. Participants can register before the event at Steve & Cookies between 11:30 and 12:30 the day of the event, or on eventbrite.com. May the best dressed dog win.
Attendees can park for free in the Eugene Tighe School at 7804 Amherst Avenue. As in years past, there will be a free jitney shuttle service that runs from the school parking lot. Other jitney pick-up spots will be along Ventnor and Amherst Avenues with FREE FUNFEST JITNEY signs leading the way.
Sponsors of this year’s event include 100.7 WZXL, 95.1 WAYV, Atlantic County Utilities Authority, Balsley Losco Real Estate, Bath Fitter, Downbeach Express, Hartman Home Team of Berkshire Hathaway Home Services, Fox and Roach Realtors, the Margate Business Association, Maynard’s Café, Mediagate, Produce Junction, Ray Scott’s Dock, Steve & Cookies by the Bay, and Tomatoes.
The Fall Funfest will be held Saturday, September 25th from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m., and Sunday, September 26 between 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. For more information, visit margatehasmore.com.
The Margate Business Association sponsors many of the fun activities held throughout the year, including Thrilling Thursdays, Le Tour de Downbeach, Beachstock, and the MBA Wine Tasting. The Fall Funfest’s mission is to “promote the economic and physical revitalization and welfare of businesses and Bay District of Margate, including the advancement of the Margate Community through local scholarship, events to promote family activities, and [to] provide assistance to local governments and organizations situated in the City of Margate.”
A former educator, Valerie is a long-time South Jersey resident. She spent over 20 years in the classroom teaching students English and Writing at the middle school and college levels. Prior to working in education, Valerie worked as a professional writer and editor in Washington, D.C. Valerie currently resides in Margate, NJ with her husband and two teenage kids. When not walking the beach with her puppy, she can be found teaching yoga on the island.
