MARGATE – There was lots of fun to be had at Bocca Coal Fired Bistro on Saturday, Nov. 24 as the city business community celebrated Small Business Saturday.

The Phillie Phanatic got the crowd reved up for the celebrity of the day. Miss Columbus Day Julianna Rankel of Tabernacle greeted guests at the door. Santa Claus arrived shortly after noon aboard a 5-ton Army truck. He greeted children one by one asking them to reveal their Christmas wishes.

Children enjoyed face painting, crafts and pizza.

The event was sponsored by the Margate Business Association, Bocca and the City of Margate as a way to welcome shoppers to the downtown.


Nanette LoBiondo Galloway

Award winning journalist covering news, events and people of Atlantic County for more than 20 years.