It’s hard to believe that the holiday season is upon us as the Margate business and restaurant districts celebrate Shop Small Business weekend beginning Friday, November 24 through to Sunday, November 26. Local businesses will be offering great sales, discounts, and contests for shoppers.
Saturday’s parade is highlighted by a drive through town by America Sign Language (ASL) Santa, Miss New Jersey and friends. Children can drop off their letters to Santa at the North Pole via his slotted mailbox in the foyer of Bocca Coal Fired Bistro from Saturday, November 25 to December 3 at 6 p.m.
On Saturday, Santa’s lifeguard boat will travel from Coolidge Avenue down the length of Ventnor Avenue escorted by the Margate City Police Department and the Margate City Fire Department to Bocca, Essex Avenue. Santa will be accompanied in his boat with his trusty elf and unicorn.
Heading up the event is Miss New Jersey 2023, Northfield’s own Victoria Mozitis; Leslie’s Dance Studio dancers, who will perform in front of Bocca; characters Buzz Lightyear and Snoopy will ride high above the streets in Margate’s 5-ton Storm Truck. Atlantic County Utilities Authority CNG pickup truck will deliver Supercan, and the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, Atlantic City Division, will march the parade route. Lucy the Elephant (the inflatable version) will glide down Ventnor Avenue and the 95.1 WAYV / 100.7 WZXL van will be playing all of your favorite holiday tunes.
Santa, his elves, a unicorn, Frosty and other characters will also be available for pictures and visits both outside of Bocca and then inside the restaurant where children can enjoy a complimentary slice of pizza and beverage along with Wawa giveaways and craft kits. There will also be a Barbie themed tent for photo opportunities featuring the pink world of the hit movie. USA DJ will be offering Holiday Songs Karaoke and 95.1 WAYV will DJ for a day. Margate Mothers Association will be offering a free holiday craft. Also, on a Polaris pulled themed trailer will be children from Playgroups Plus.
Throughout the day on Saturday, a scavenger hunt for coupons hidden in small holiday boxes will be placed throughout the business districts (nothing will be hidden inside a business). Sustainable Margate will have environmental displays and information on Saturday at Bocca and participants can spin a wheel or play the quiz game to win prizes. New Jersey Fairy Hair will be on hand at Bocca ready to adorn your hair with sparkly strand extensions and there will be pumpkin decorating for a fee. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Atlantic County Toys for Kids Program. Local pianist Shawn Quigley will be performing his musical magic inside Bocca. South Jersey’s newest board game company; MegaDuel, the game of lunar conquest, will be making its debut at Shop Small. Guests are also encouraged to bring a new unwrapped toy to donate to the program.
Visit the annually decorated Margate recreation fields on Jerome Avenue. This year features NEW lights and attractions and will begin Thanksgiving Eve, Wednesday, November 22. The lights will go on daily at dusk.
Receipts Are All the Rage (RAAR):
Customers can take a photo of their receipt from any Margate business purchase made between Friday, November 24 and Sunday, November 26, and send the receipt photo to info@margatehasmore.com. There will be one randomly selected winner who will receive a gift certificate from the store of purchase. Winners will be notified via email.
Shop Small Selfie Contest:
Take a picture in front of your favorite business and send the photo to info@margatehasmore.com by Sunday, November 26.
For additional information on these events and much more go to www.margatehasmore.com.
