The Margate business and restaurant districts will be celebrating Shop Small Business weekend beginning Friday, November 29 through to Sunday, December 1 by offering great sales, discounts, contests for shoppers and a parade through town led by America Sign Language (ASL) Santa on Saturday, November 25.
ASL SANTA IS COMING TO TOWN!
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.
Heading up the event is Miss New Jersey 2023, Northfield’s own Victoria Mozitis; Leslie’s Dance Studio dancers, who will perform in front of Bocca, characters Buzz Lightyear and Minion 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 glide down Ventnor Avenue and the 95.1 WAYV / 100.7 WZXL van will be playing all of your favorite holiday tunes. Santa, his elves, a unicorn, Buzz Lightyear and the Minion 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 Wawa giveaways and craft kits. There will also be a Barbie themed tent for photo opportunities featuring the pink world of the hit movie, USA DJ will be offering Holiday Songs Karaoke and 95.1 WAYV will have DJ for a day. Margate Mothers Association will be offering a free holiday craft.
CONTESTS & GAMES
Throughout the day on Saturday, a scavenger hunt for coupons hidden in small holiday boxes will be placed throughout the business districts (nothing will be hidden inside a business). Sustainable Margate will have environmental displays and information on Saturday at Bocca and participants can spin a wheel or play the quiz game to win prizes. New Jersey Fairy Hair will be on hand at Bocca ready to adorn your hair with sparkly strand extensions and there will be pumpkin decorating for a fee. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Atlantic County Toys for Kids Program. Guests are also 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.
MARGATE FIELDS WINTER WONDERLIGHTS
Visit the annually decorated Margate recreation fields on Jerome Avenue. This year features NEW lights and attractions and will begin Thanksgiving Eve, Wednesday, November 22. The lights will go on daily at dusk. Be sure to bring your camera!
