MARGATE - As the cooler weather ushers in the holiday shopping season, the Margate Business Association is ready to celebrate with its annual Shop Small Business Extravaganza Friday through Sunday, Nov. 29 to Dec. 1.
In addition to local businesses offering great sales, discounts and contests for shoppers, the weekend will include a parade through town featuring America Sign Language Santa and a few of his friends, noon Saturday, Nov. 30.
The Margate City Fire and Police departments will escort Santa on his Beach Patrol sleigh from Coolidge down the length of Ventnor Avenue to Bocca Coal Fired Bistro at Essex Avenue. Santa will be accompanied by his dedicated Elf and Unicorn.
Miss New Jersey 2024 Elizabeth Mendel will be there, and Leslie’s Dance Studio dancers will perform in front of Bocca. Darth Vader and Snoopy will ride high above the streets in Margate’s 5-ton high-water vehicle, an ACUA CNG pickup truck will deliver mascot Supercan, Lucy the Elephant will be there, and the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps Atlantic City Division will march in the parade.
Parents are encouraged to bring their cameras to take pictures of their children with Santa and his guests. Inside Bocca, children will enjoy a complimentary slice of pizza and beverage along with a wrapped Wawa cookie. USA DJ will provide holiday music, pianist Shawn Quigley will perform inside Bocca, and the Marjorie and Lewis Katz JCC offer free holiday crafts. Mascot Na’cho Taco will be on the corner of Ventnor and Essex avenues to pose for pictures and a cornhole contest will be held on Essex Avenue. Sustainable Margate will present its environmental display where participants can spin the wheel to win a prize. New Jersey Fairy Hair will be on hand to adorn your hair with sparkly strand extensions.
Children can drop off their letters to Santa at the North Pole in the mailbox inside the foyer of Bocca anytime from Friday, Nov. 29 to 6 p.m. Sunday Dec. 8.
There’s fun for adults too, with a Scavenger Hunt for coupons hidden in small holiday boxes placed outside businesses, one per customer. Finding one entitles the bearer to discounts at area stores.
The MBA will also hold its annual Shop Small Selfie Contest. Take a picture in front of your favorite business and send the photo to [email protected] by 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 1. Winners will be selected and announced on Monday, Dec. 2.
For additional information, see www.margatehasmore.com, or on Facebook and Instagram.
