Margate’s Spectacular Shop Small Extravaganza

ASL SANTA IS COMING TO TOWN!!!

MARGATE — While milder temperatures might not say ‘holiday’ to most, there’s no denying the fact the season is quickly approaching and the Margate Business Association is all in and ready to celebrate the Shop Small Business extravaganza beginning Friday, November 29 through to Sunday, December 1, presented by Lexus.  Local businesses will be offering great sales, discounts, and contests for shoppers, highlighted by a parade through town by America Sign Language (ASL) Santa and some friends. 

On Saturday, November 30 at noon, ASL Santa will travel from Coolidge Avenue and be escorted down the length of Ventnor Avenue by the Margate City Fire Department and the Margate City Police Department to Bocca Coal Fired Bistro, at Essex Avenue. Santa will be accompanied in his beach patrol sleigh by his dedicated elf and unicorn.

Heading up the event is Miss New Jersey 2024 Elizabeth Mendel; Leslie’s Dance Studio dancers, who will perform to holiday favorites in front of Bocca; characters Darth Vader and Snoopy will ride high above the streets in Margate’s 5-ton Storm Truck.  Atlantic County Utilities Authority CNG pickup truck will deliver Supercan, and the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps, Atlantic City Division, will march the parade route. Lucy the Elephant (the inflatable version) will slowly make her way down Ventnor Avenue. Santa, his elves, a unicorn, Darth Vader and Snoopy will also be available for pictures and visits both outside of Bocca and then inside the restaurant where children can enjoy a complimentary slice of pizza and beverage along with a wrapped Wawa cookie (while supplies last). Also, opening this December, Na'cho Taco (corner of Essex & Ventnor Avenues) will have their Mr. Taco character ready to pose for pictures and free coupon for a taco or quesadilla. Casel’s Marketplace will have complimentary baked goods. All give away are while supplies last. USA DJ will be offering Holiday Music and their prize wheel, and pianist Shawn Quigley will be performing at Bocca.  The Marjorie and Lewis Katz JCC will be offering a free holiday craft and there will be a cornhole contest on Essex Ave. to win great prizes!

Children can drop off their letters to Santa at the North Pole via his slotted mailbox in the foyer of Bocca from Friday, November 29 to Sunday December 8 at 6pm.

On Saturday, a scavenger hunt for coupons hidden in small holiday boxes (1 per person) will be placed throughout the business districts (nothing will be hidden inside a business) for coupons to great Margate businesses. Sustainable Margate will have environmental displays and information on Saturday at Bocca and participants can spin the wheel or play a quiz game to win prizes.  New Jersey Fairy Hair will be on hand at Bocca ready to adorn your hair with sparkly strand extensions.  

Shop Small Selfie Contest:

Take a picture in front of your favorite business and send the photo to info@margatehasmore.com by 5pm Sunday, December 1. Winners will be selected and announced on Monday, December 2.                                                          

For additional information on these events and much more go to www.margatehasmore.com.  Follow us on Facebook and Instagram.

Sponsors include Lexus, Margate City Police Department, Margate City Fire Department, Margate Business Association, Bocca Coal Fire Pizza, Na’cho Taco, Casel’s Marketplace, USADJ, Wawa, Fantazzia Co., Sustainable Margate, and Shore Local Newsmagazine.

American Sign Language Santa and his helpers will ride down Ventnor Avenue, Margate during Shop Small weekend on November 29.   File Photo, Hannah Hussman