Sponsored by The Pet Salon
Families, it’s time again to bask in the warmth of the sun, escape winter hibernation, don your funkiest tie-dye t-shirts, and welcome the rebirth of spring!
On Sunday, May 4th, the Margate Business Association, in conjunction with the Margate Community Church, Sustainable Downbeach, and Margate Recreation, will celebrate the arrival of spring with their 3rd annual Cherry Blossom Festival presented by The Pet Salon. The free, family-friendly event will feature kids’ games and activities, live music by Dead Reckoning, tasty treats, wine and beer, arts and crafts, a May the 4th be with You (Star Wars) Dog contest, and a host of environmental exhibitors.
The festival will be held from 12 pm – 4 pm on Ventnor Ave. between Sumner and Union Aves., directly in front of the Margate Community Church. Everyone is encouraged to bring chairs or blankets to spend the afternoon enjoying the fresh air and relaxing with friends and neighbors.
ACTIVITIES
On the grassy grounds of the Margate Community Church, the Margate Recreation Department will host kids’ activities ranging from egg and spoon races to potato sack and three-legged races. The church will also feature a petting zoo, kids’ games, and a children’s craft booth to keep the little ones active. Tai Chi instructor Gerri Medoff opens the festival with her low-impact demonstrations which are free for all participants eager to understand its meditative and health benefits.
LIVE MUSIC
The Grateful Dead tribute band Dead Reckoning returns to the Cherry Blossom stage from 12-4 pm to perform an inspired set of Dead favorites, with their recognizable harmonies and Bob Weir-esque fueled vocals and guitar effects.
FOOD & BEVERAGE
Food trucks, concessionaires, and Wawa will be on site with a wide variety of items to satisfy all types of appetites. Enjoy sweet treats from California Yogurt Food Truck, Donuts NV, and Dewlicious Café / Muffin Top, or go savory with TacoCat Food Truck, Betty’s Seafood Shack, Philly Pretzel Factory, and Kanto Filipino BBQ. Don’t forget to grab a refreshing drink from Squeezies Lemonade while you take in the festive atmosphere. With great eats, local charm, and spring vibes, this is a day you won’t want to miss!
There will also be a selection of beers, Ready to Drink beverages, and adult beverages to sample and/or purchase.
There will also be a choice of beers, Ready to Drink beverages for purchase plus a free adult beverage sampling.
CRAFTS & VENDORS
Margate Mothers welcome spring with cherry blossom paintings created by their little budding artists! The kids can celebrate the spring breeze by participating in a myriad of crafts. Browse a curated selection of local crafters and makers. Discover unique coastal-inspired pieces from Bianca Del Mar and Seafindings, charming rustic finds at Primitive Boutique, and handmade wooden treasures from Just Wood. You’ll also find beautiful artwork by Calls Him Art – Michelle Calls, and artisan goods from Tribe Goods and One of One Design Wear.
Shop whimsical children’s accessories from Kids Kases, stylish apparel from Crescent Moon Clothing, and personalized gifts from Creative Images by Tara. Don’t miss delicious baked treats from For Goodness Cakes and delightful creations from Busy Bees. Whether you’re looking for a special gift or something just for you, our craft vendors have something for everyone.
Sustainable Downbeach has assembled a collection of organizations featuring the Surfrider Foundation and their rain barrel demonstration, NJDEP AmeriCorps Watershed, Earth First Native Plant Nursery will display seed planting techniques, the Margate Terrapin Turtle Rescue Project, the Jacques Cousteau Estuary Research Reserve, Marine Mammal Stranding Center, and Busy Bees will all discuss the importance of protecting our wildlife, vegetation, marine life, oceans, and beaches.
