By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
With thoughts of back to school shopping and returning to a less-fevered pace, events in the Downbeach area are heating up for late summer fun.
This weekend, the Margate Community Church will be holding its popular Arts and Crafts Show on church grounds. The show will be held 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 14 on the lawn surrounding the stately brick church. The event was not held last year due to COVID-19, but this year, favorite vendors return. The church is located at 8900 Ventnor Avenue at Thurlow Avenue in the Parkway section.
Also this weekend, there are two religious events being held in Longport. The first up is Holy Trinity Parish's Blessing of the Sea Mass and procession to the beach, which celebrates the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Mass starts at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 15 at Church of the Epiphany on 29th Avenue.
Next, the Church of the Redeemer, 20th and Atlantic avenues in Longport, welcomes families for the Blessing of the Animals, 11:20 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 15. Participants may donate cash and supplies for the Humane Society of Ocean City, a no-kill shelter.
High-flying military planes, jets and helicopters swoop into the area Wednesday, Aug. 18 for the return of A Salute to Those Who Serve Atlantic City Air Show presented by GEICO, which is visible from the Downbeach area beaches. Avoid the crowds and attend the practice session on Tuesday, Aug. 17. The show features the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds, U.S. Army Golden Knights and Parachute Team, NJ Air National Guard Composite Wing, NJ State Police Flybys, U.S. Coast Guard Rescue Demonstration, and GEICO Skytypers. Atlantic County Sheriff Eric Scheffler's Community Care Initiative and Rowan Medical Institute will be administering the free J&J COVID-19 vaccine 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on the Boardwalk at Florida Avenue.
If you missed the fireworks on July 4, join the Borough of Longport Volunteer Fire Department's annual fireworks display being held at dusk (9 p.m.) Saturday, Aug. 21. Rain date is Aug. 28. The sparks fly from the beach at 33rd Avenue. Donations in support of the annual display can be sent to the Longport Volunteer Fire Department, 2305 Atlantic Ave., Longport, NJ 08403. Put fireworks in the subject line.
Margate Business Association will present its Ducky Derby 11:30 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 22 at Ray Scott's Dock and Margate City Pier at Washington Avenue and the bay. The event raises money for MBA community programs. Tickets ware $5, or five for $20. Purchasers received a little rubber ducky souvenir. Larger, weighted ducks will be placed in the water and the first three across the finish will provide corresponding ticket holders with prizes of $1,000, $500 and $250. Learn more at margatehasmore.com.
Additionally, Ventnor Special Events will present a night of comedy at Ventnor Square Theater 8-10 p.m. Friday, Aug. 27. The We B-E-E show invites 10 adults over 18 randomly selected from the audience to participate in a hilarious spelling bee. The event is free, but seating is limited. Get your tickets for this unique and fun event at https://www.eventbrite.com/.../we-b-e-e-spelling-tickets...
And don't forget, the Margate Community Farmers Market and Ventnor City Farmers Market continue Thursday and Friday mornings 8:30 a.m. to noon until Labor Day. The Margate market is held at Steve & Cookies By the Bay, Amherst and Monroe avenues. The Ventnor market is held in the parking lot at St. James Church, Atlantic and Newport avenues. Bring your own reusable bag.
