MARGATE – It’s time to bask in the warmth of the sun, toss aside the winter blues, don your funkiest tie dye T-shirts, dress like a Storm Trooper or your favorite Star Wars character and welcome the rebirth of spring.
The Margate Business Association, in conjunction with the Margate Community Church, Sustainable Downbeach, Margate Recreation and The Pet Salon will celebrate spring’s arrival at the city’s third annual Cherry Blossom Festival noon to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 4 on Ventnor Avenue between Sumner and Union avenues.
For decades, the scores of cherry blossom trees that align the Memorial Parkway in Margate have been a symbol of seasonal renewal and hope for sunnier days ahead, as their delicate pink and white blooms burst onto the scene and finally say goodbye to winter.
Hannah Hussman Cold Soup Marketing/Cherry blossoms line the Margate Parkway.The free family friendly event will feature kid’s games and activities, petting zoo, tai chi lessons, Mother’s Day flower sale, live music by local favorite Dead Reckoning, Wawa giveaways, food trucks, and Banfi wines, spirits and beer for purchase. Also on tap is and sampling, arts and crafts. And at 2 p.m., turn your furry friend into a four legged Chewbacca or Yoda during the Pet Salon’s ‘May the Fourth Be with You’ Star Wars-themed dog costume contest on the stage.
A host of environmental exhibitors including NJDEP AmeriCorps Watershed Ambassadors, ACUA, South Jersey Surfrider Foundation, Reeds Farm, Busy Bees, NJ Native Plant Society, Clean Ocean Action, Jacque Cousteau Estuary Research Reserve and other attractions will provide valuable information on how to keep our environment protected and preserved.
There will be plenty of food and beverage choices to satisfy any appetite with food trucks by local favorites Tacocat, California Shakes, Margate Clam Shack and Muffin Top’s Asian Vietnamese specialties. Newcomers to Cherry Blossom Kanto Filipino BBQ, DonutNV, Squeezies Lemonade and Philly Pretzel Factory will add an eclectic, savory mix to the festival. Top off the day with a sweet treat from For Goodness Cakes. Quench your thirst at the beer garden or try a refreshing beverage for tasting or purchase provided by Margate Gardens Wine and Spirits, and Mr. Fingers Alibi Gin.
Hannah Hussman Cold Soup Marketing/Margate's Cherry Blossom FestivalLongtime sponsors Renewal by Anderson, Colmar Home Center, Leafguard and Cutco Cutlery will be on site with their latest products to enhance anyone’s home. Margate businesses Stacy’s Surf Camp and Lips and Drips will share information and have activities. Talented crafters, East Coast Fairy Hair and face painter Alissa Dirato will show off their creations and creative spirit. Dayna Troiano Pet Services will be on hand to talk about training your pooch. Check out the newest models in golf carts courtesy South Jersey Electric Vehicles.
Everyone is encouraged to bring chairs or blankets to spend the afternoon enjoying the fresh air, groove to Grateful Dead hits until 3:30 p.m. and relax with friends and neighbors.
For more information, go to www.margatehasmore.com .
