Margate's marquee event, the Fall Funfest by The Bay will bring more than 110 booths and amusements to Amherst Avenue by the bay 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 23 and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 24. Now in its 22nd year, Funfest brings thousands of visitors to the avenue to enjoy family and adult fun along the beautiful bayfront and promenade, and the friendly spirit of the people of Margate.
The annual two-day festival offers mouth-watering foods, unique fine arts and crafts, local retailers, sponsors, nonprofits, Margate City municipal departments, a beer garden, cornhole tournament, kid's activities and live entertainment all weekend long. The event features Ray Scott's Dock Wetlands Wonderland, two days of parades featuring Miss New Jersey Victoria Mozitis and cartoon character such as Buzz Lightyear, Minion, Stormtrooper and Cinderella in a procession down Amherst Ave., and the 26th annual Steve & Cookies Dog Show.
And Funfest After Dark: Definitely Not for Kids continues the fun for adults 7:30-10 p.m. at the Washington Avenue Municipal Pier with wine and spirits tastings and NJ British Invasion, featuring music of The Beatles, Rolling Stones, The Who and The Clash. Although Funfest is free, the After Dark version is an adults-only event with a cost for admission.
Food vendors from throughout the region will be offering savory food selections, including Tony Boloney's uniquely themed subs, California Frozen Yogurt's refreshing acai bowls, Vagabond's tequila shrimp bangers, South Jersey Smokehouse barbeque, Philly Pretzels, RSK mini donuts, Tacocat Cal-Mex fare, The Muffin Top Asian and Vietnamese food, Sherris' Crabcakes, St. Nicholas Greek food, Tin Cup Soda, Tommy D's funnel cakes, Mad Dog Morgan burgers and chicken, Water Dog barbecue, Betty's Seafood lobster rolls, shrimp boxes, Aneu Kitchen and Catering, and The Other Lucy doughnuts and much more. A beer garden and Tito's Bloody Mary tent offer plenty of opportunities to quench your thirst.
Funfest is known for its highly touted crafters and artisans, with 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.
Talented musical bands and performers will be featured on the Main Stage, playing everything from rock and blues to country and Broadway. Saturday's line-up features Teddi Fusco, the No Clue Trio, Viv Luff, Swing that Cat, Poor Mouth Henry and Bluestreet Band. Sunday will be rocking with The Company, Dan Barry, Mas Tequila Orchestra and Cubicle Shamans.
New entertainment this year on the 95.1 WAYV Kid's Stage will include cool magic and mentalism in the Street Sorcery Show and the Wild Thrill Stunt Extravaganza featuring juggling with knives, object balancing, fire eating and plenty of audience participation.
The excitement continues with performances by the talented students of Suzie Neustadter and Blake's Gymnastics. Back this year is a pumpkin decorating contest. Purchase a pumpkin at Funfest for $2 and send a picture of your decorated pumpkin to [email protected]. Winners will be posted on the Margate Has More Facebook page.
The Funfest Cornhole Tournament on Saturday presented by Haven Marketing includes a cash prize and is open to all ages. Register online at Funfest Cornhole or 10 a.m. to noon at Washington Avenue. The tournament begins at 1 p.m. Colmar True Value Home Center will host free recreational cornhole play on Sunday.
At the Ray Scott's Dock Wetland Wonderland, Sustainable Downbeach will be hosting a myriad of activities presented by the Jacques Cousteau Estuary Research, Marine Mammal Standing Center and variety of displays featuring ocean and bay life, native butterflies, fun activities presented by Carefree Boat Club of South Jersey, and the annual terrapin turtle release. Call 609-822-6819 to reserve a seat on the boat.
Admission to Funfest After Dark is $20 in advance, $25 on Saturday and includes five samplings of wine and spirits, finger foods provided by Dino's Subs and Philly Pretzel Factory. To purchase tickets visit margatehasmore.com.
On Sunday visitors will enjoy Steve and Cookie's 26th annual Dog Show with featured guests and exciting contest categories starring the most handsome and adorable dogs.
Free jitney shuttle service is available along Ventnor and Amherst avenues and from the parking lot at the Eugene A. Tighe Middle School, 7804 Amherst Ave.
Schedules and events subject to change or cancellation.
