File/Downbeach Seafood Festival 2019.
VENTNOR – Calling it “a tough call” organizers announced they have cancelled the Downbeach Seafood Festival that was scheduled for Sept. 11 at Ski Beach along the Ventnor bay.
“We have been optimistically working towards the execution of the Downbeach Seafood Festival for 2020. Due to issues surrounding COVID-19, we have no choice but to put the festival on hold until 2021,” organizer Good Time Tricycle President Jon Henderson said in a Facebook post.
The September date would have been the second year the festival was held at Ski Beach and the 10th year overall.
The event was previously held at Gardener’s Basin and for seven years at the much larger Bader Field in Atlantic City. Henderson said changing the venue to the smaller Ski Beach location completely changed the vibe of the festival to more of a neighborhood event. Nevertheless, more than 6,000 people attended the smaller version in Ventnor, which is what the organizers expected. It was so well attended, they ran out of beer toward the end of the day.
Foodies and fun seekers will sample the culinary creations of chefs and restaurants offering seafood dishes from calamari to clams, oysters to ahi, and alligator too. Other activities included music, games, rides and activities for children.
“It is truly disappointing that we will be unable to spend the day with so many of you enjoying fresh ocean treats and sipping great brews. The festival will return Saturday Sept 11, 2020,” he said.
Downbeach Seafood Festival
