South Pacific Island Dancers
By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
MARGATE – They made the right call. The not so great forecast turned out to be a fine day for a beach party. Not too hot, not too sunny, and definitely not too rainy.
The Margate Business Association decided Friday morning that the Planet’s Biggest Beach Party would be held despite calls for stormy weather. The people agreed and turned out in droves to enjoy all the fun activities for children and adults, including a new addition this year, the Red Bull Foam Wreckers Soft Board Surf Classic. The waves were just angry enough to beckon surfers of all ages to participate in the soft board surfing contest, and spectators packed the shoreline to watch who came in first.
MBA Executive Director Anna Maria Blescia was filling in at break time for the dozens of volunteers who turn out each year to make the event a success.
“I love it,” she said. “I love that the weather held out and I love to see all the families having fun.”
Eve Fuges and friends
Eve Fuges and her friends came all the way from Northeast Philadelphia to enjoy the day’s offerings.
“We came just for Beachstock and there’s nothing not to like here,” she said. Her friend came to play cornhole and is a prior champion, she said.
“We love the atmosphere, the people and the adult beverage tastings,” Fuges said. “At first we were upset because we thought there might be rain, but look, the sun’s out.”
Katherine Bird of Margate loves Beachstock, including “people watching, supporting local businesses and the sandcastle building,” she said.
Several local restaurants had their food trucks at the event, and business was brisk.
Matthew Diebert offered sand sculpting tips for children and proceeded to build a huge sand sculpture with the theme “Finding Nemo.”
Scuba Steve Jasiecki was under a tent educating children about marine life on Absecon Island, and Air Circus Kite Shop offered free kite flying lessons.
There was non-stop entertainment all day long, including the South Pacific Island Dancers, who always draw a crowd.
Paulina Zharsky, a summer resident, sat with her friends and their children enjoying some mac and cheese and French fries.
“We love Beachstock,” she said asking the children what they like best.
“The Ducky Derby tickets, sand sculpture and the food,” the littles agreed.
Carol Mack and family
Carol Mack of Londonderry, New Hampshire was attending Beachstock for the first time.
“I’m visiting my son and this is our first time here, but from now on, I will come every year,” she said. “I might even make it to the Fall Funfest by the Bay. This is just an amazing festival.”
Beachstock continues into the evening hours with entertainment by Mas Tequila Orchestra playing covers, a movie feature, bonfire on the beach, and concludes with Jah People playing Reggae tunes with a touch of funk, rock and soul.
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