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MARGATE

The Planet’s Biggest Beach Party goes off without a hitch

  • Festivals and Seasonal

MARGATE – Beachstock, The Planet’s Biggest Beach Party emerged from early morning fog to the delight of beachgoers from near and far. Thousands of residents and visitors flocked to the Huntington Avenue beach Saturday to soak up some Vitamin D and enjoy music, games and learn a little bit about Margate’s marine environment.

It was the 14th time the event was held on the beach behind the Margate Library. As always, the event was free and offered lots of fun for children and adults, with live music, South Pacific Island Dancers, a myriad of fast food vendors, and a beer garden that offered tastings of numerous adult beverages. Beachgoers were entertained throughout the day by the Mas Tequila Orchestra and the NJ British Invasion playing Beatles tunes. The day ended with a showing of the hit Disney movie, “Moana 2” and a giant bonfire carefully monitored by the Margate Fire Department.

Environmentalists educated children about the animals that live in the sea, and advocates against erecting wind turbines off the coast shared information about seeking energy sources that do not detract from ocean vistas.

      

Nick Procacci, 25, of Cinnaminson, said it was his first visit to Beachstock, which the Margate Business Association holds each year to showcase all that’s great about summertime in Margate. He attended with the Dugan family and the group enjoyed some good eats and drinks in the food court outside the Bloom Pavilion.

“I love it,” he said, as he chowed down on food purchased at the Margate Dairy Bar & Burger tent and sipped a can of beer.

“This is great. We’re making a day of it,” he said. “Later, we’re going to Atlantic City and then after that, probably to Maynard’s. We’re going to have some fun tonight.”

His friend Brian Dugan was taking it easy because he had a fishing trip planned for the early a.m.

Two little boys and their dad marveled at the sand sculpture built by Matthew Deibert of Sandcreation, which included Beachstock lettering carved into a mountain of sand with a little sandcastle on top and a life-sized depiction of Maui, a beloved character from the ‘Moana’ series.

      

Dozens of ringers lined up throughout the day to play in the Beachstock Cornhole Tournament. At the end of the 32-team double-elimination tourney, two teams battled it out and the Killer C’s won the big prize.

Chuck Cavanaugh didn’t even know there was a monetary prize awarded to the winners.

“I really want to win this, just for bragging rights,” he said as he continued to boast about being the best cornhole player on the planet. 

“When you are widely considered the best cornhole player in Margate, there’s a lot of pressure,” he said. “So, I just took it bag by bag.”

His partner was Colin Kane and the Killer C’s beat Team Webb players Shannon Stevens and Steve Apt, 21-16.

“The money was nice but the best part is being recognized by the competition as the best,” Cavanaugh said.

Mayor Michael Collins expressed gratitude to the MBA team for its hard work putting on the festival that shows Margate in its brightest light.

“They work so hard, as do all the vendors, business owners, our Public Works employees, police, firefighters, green team and MBA volunteers,” he said. “This only happens due to their hard work and dedication to making Margate the best beach town in New Jersey.”

Enjoy some photos in the Beachstock gallery...


Copyright Access Network 2025


author

Nanette LoBiondo Galloway

Award winning journalist covering news, events and the people of Atlantic County for more than 25 years. Contact ngalloway@accessgmt.com

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