MARGATE The city will be celebrating its marquee event Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 24-25. The Funfest By The Bay includes 110 vendor booths and amusements comprised of delectable foods, unique fine arts and crafts, Margate retailers, sponsors, nonprofits, Margate City municipal departments, kid's activities, 11 live bands, a Wetlands Wonderland at Ray Scott's Dock and much, much more.
The Funfest kicks off 11 a.m. Saturday and runs until 6 p.m. Hours on Sunday are 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Thousands of visitors will be attending the Margate Fall Funfest to enjoy the breathtaking family friendly venue along Amherst Avenue bayfront and promenade.
Parades include appearances by Miss New Jersey Augostina Mallous, Miss Atlantic County Brooke Feldman and Jersey String Band. Costumed characters include Snow White, Minion, Moana, Storm Trooper, Darth Vader, PJ Crab, and ACUA's Supercan.
A cornhole tournament will be held on Saturday, and the 25th annual Steve and Cookie's Dog Show will be held on Sunday.
Eleven bands will be featured on the main stage, playing everything from rock, to country, to jazz. The 95.1 WAYV Kid's Stage will feature the Emerald Isle Academy of Irish Dances performance troupe and Currier's Magical Mania and One-Man Circus juggler and magical illusions. The excitement continues with performances by the talented students of Suzie Neustadter and Blake's Gymnastics.
Funfest is known for its highly touted crafters and artisans. Dozens of juried artists offering a wide variety of handmade crafts including pottery, photography, fall décor, culinary artisans, handmade candles, wood working, soaps, and unique jewelry will be at Funfest. Artisans and artists include New Work of Heart Studio, a local Native American artist who sells a plethora of unique handmade Native American art as well as jewelry and woodwork; Cozy DreamZZZ by KK, with hand crafted chenille baby and car blankets, scarfs, hats and mats. New culinary booths include Grassia's Italian Market Spice Company packaged spice and herb blends; Nutty Novelties nut butters and 18 varieties of nut bites.
Attendees can enjoy a variety of savory selections including seafood, barbecued meats, pizza, funnel cakes, acai bowls, fruit shakes, Mexican food, doughnuts, cheesesteaks, Tin Cup sodas and much more. Adults can enjoy Tito's Handmade Vodka and other beverages in the beer garden and Amherst Avenue's signature bars and restaurants will be offering delectable foods and beverages as well.
The event includes a pumpkin decorating contest where photos of decorated pumpkins can be submitted to [email protected]. Top winners will receive gift certificates to local business.
Registration is now open fpr Steve & Cookie's dog show categories, best dressed small/large dogs and prettiest/most handsome small/large dog, and best rescue categories. Register on-line in Eventbrite at Steve and Cookie's Dog Show or 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. at Steve & Cookie's before the show. The Scent Works Academy K-9 demonstration will be held at 11:30 am.
Ray Scott's Dock will present Wetland Wonderland and Terrapin Turtle Release. Call 609-822-6819 to reserve a seat on the release boat. Metal sculptures by Barry Winokur will be available for purchase and this year will be a Monarch butterfly display, crafts and Create-A Butterfly Garden. The Marine Mammal Standing Center and Sustainable Downbeach will have a variety of displays featuring ocean and bay life.
Adults and children can get on the microphone with 95.1 WAYV's DJ for a Day interactive display that puts participants in front of a live microphone, with a custom radio station music bed, script and backdrop.
Saturday night's Funfest After Dark: Definitely Not For Kids from 7:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. is all about tastings, dancing and rocking with the Mas Tequila Orchestra. Admission is $20 in advance, $25 day of the event and includes five samplings of wine and spirits, finger foods and access to the decorated lounge on the Washington Avenue Pier To purchase tickets on Eventbrite at Funfest After Dark .
Free jitney shuttle service is available all along Ventnor and Amherst Avenues and from the parking lot at the Eugene Tighe School on 7804 Amherst Ave.
For more information and updates, see MargateHasMore.com or download the Catch the Margate Wave app.
