Margate's Beachstock attracts thousands for oceanside fun

By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY

MARGATE – Beachstock: The Planet’s Biggest Beach Party attracted thousands of visitors for family fun in the surf and sand at Huntington Avenue beach.

The Margate Business Association volunteers were out in force to ensure everyone was having fun – and there was lots of fun to be had in the daylong celebration of all that’s great about summer at the Jersey shore.

“I come here every year and wouldn’t miss it,” Janice Feldman of Cherry Hill said.

Feldman said she plans her vacation week around Beachstock and the 4^th of July.

Vendors were selling everything from tie-die T-shirts to pots and pans. Members of Save Our Coast who are advocating against offshore wind were there to share information about the wind turbines that will be built off the coast.

Tournaments were held for pickleball, cornhole and volleyball. Members of the Sustainable Margate green team shared information about the marine environment. Costumed characters, including Mr. Peanut and a Troll, along with Miss New Jersey Elizabeth Mendel of Cape May Courthouse, mingled with festival goers and posed for pictures. Bands, including NJ British Invasion, entertained on two stages. Between sets, a DJ played the hits.

A fan favorite was the South Pacific Tahitian Island Dancers, who entertained the crowd gathered around the main stage and gave them all a chance to learn to hula. The Tiki Bar, open for adult beverages, got more than a few hips rocking.

The party will continue into the night with Beachstock After Dark, which includes a screening of the movie, “Trolls: Band Together,” more from the Island Dancers, and an hour-long concert featuring the band, Knox.