ASL SANTA IS COMING TO TOWN!

The Margate business and restaurant districts will be celebrating Shop Small Business weekend beginning Friday, November 29th through to Sunday, December 1st by offering great sales, discounts, contests for shoppers and a parade through town led by America Sign Language (ASL) Santa on Saturday, November 30th.

On Saturday, Santa’s lifeguard boat will travel from Coolidge Avenue down the length of Ventnor Avenue escorted by the Margate City Police Department and the Margate City Fire Department to Bocca, Essex Ave. Santa will be accompanied in his boat with his trusty elf and unicorn.

The festivities are led by Miss New Jersey 2024, along with the dynamic performers from Leslie’s Dance Studio, who will dazzle the crowd in front of Bocca. Look up, and you’ll spot beloved costumed characters riding high above the streets in Margate’s 5-ton Storm Truck.

Santa, his merry elves, the unicorn, and the costumed characters will be available for charming photo opportunities both outside and inside Bocca. Kids can enjoy a complimentary slice of pizza and beverage, along with exciting Wawa giveaways and craft kits. USA DJ will be offering Holiday Songs Karaoke. Margate Mothers Association will host a free holiday craft session for all to enjoy.

CONTESTS & GAMES

Embark on a scavenger hunt throughout the business districts on Saturday, searching for hidden coupons in small holiday boxes. Sustainable Margate will showcase environmental displays and offer interactive games with prizes at Bocca. New Jersey Fairy Hair will add a touch of sparkle to your locks with sparkly strand extensions, and there will be pumpkin decorating available with proceeds benefiting the Atlantic County Toys for Kids Program. Guests are encouraged to bring a new unwrapped toy to donate to the program.

How to Participate:

Receipts Are All the Rage (RAAR):
Customers can take a photo of their receipt from any Margate business purchase made between Friday, November 26 and Sunday, November 28, and send the receipt photo to info@margatehasmore.com. There will be one randomly selected winner receive a gift certificate from the store of purchase. Winners will be notified via email.

Shop Small Selfie Contest:
Take a picture in front of your favorite business and send the photo to info@margatehasmore.com by Sunday, November 28. On Monday, public voting for the best photo will begin with the winner announced on December 4!

What is Shop Small:   In the midst of the recession in 2010 — Small Business Saturday® was created by American Express on the Saturday after Thanksgiving to encourage people to Shop Small and bring more holiday shopping to small businesses. In 2011, the Senate unanimously passed a resolution in support of the day, and officials in all 50 states participate. It even gets a shout-out from the president of the United States. Who knew that in 2020 we’d face one of the most devastating national health crises in our lifetime. Small Businesses were once again thrown a curve ball as our nation battled the after effects of a national “shut down” during the Covid-19 pandemic.  The Small Movement is more relevant then ever. If you cannot shop in person, please consider purchasing virtual gift cards by contacting your favorite local retailers, professionals or restaurants.