MARGATE – Thousands of people rubbed elbows Saturday during the first day of the city’s annual Funfest by the Bay. The event drew people from all over the city, county, state and even from far away places. The weather was perfect for a fall festival – not too sunny, and not too hot – it was just right.
Visitors lined up to purchase some tasty morsels from local and regional food vendors or libations from the Tito’s tent. Children lined up to take their chance of making a basket or hitting a homerun at a row of blow up amusements. And those interested in learning about the Monarch butterfly migration and which plants attract the beautiful orange, black and white butterflies enjoyed a learning experience at Scott's Dock. At the Sustainable Margate display a young man delighted children with a snake wrapped around his neck standing next to a fishtank filled with tiny terrapins.
Dozens of juried artists displayed their paintings, woodworks and other handmade crafts and the city’s Police, Fire and Public Works departments offered fun activities and free giveaways.
Miss New Jersey Belle Nicholas strolled the avenue alongside her chaperone for the day, Miss New Jersey Executive Director Susan R. Nicolle. She stopped along the way to sign autographs and take pictures with festival attendees. A guitar picking duo performed on the main stage while the Kids Stage provided entertainment for parents and grandparents.
Unfortunately, the clouds rolled in threatening rain and the Funfest After Dark was cancelled. The MBA will be issuing a refund this week to everyone who purchased tickets online.
There’s more fun to be had on Sunday as the Funfest rolls into its second day on Amherst Avenue. Expect to see lots of canine companions as Steve & Cookies By The Bay hosts the Dan Gottlieb Memorial Dog Show at 1 p.m.
Enjoy some more photos from Saturday's event...
Margate Business Association held its annual Funfest by the Bay, Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 27-28, 2025.
