By NANETTE LoBIONDO GALLOWAY
VENTNOR – The annual Ventnor Block Party held along Ventnor Avenue Saturday was more than a festival to start the summer season. It was a gathering of community members welcoming visitors to enjoy everything great about summers at the Jersey Shore.
Organizers at Ventnor Special Events were sure to present a variety of activities along a four-block area, including blow ups and kids games along Troy Avenue, and vendors, food trucks and music along the avenue.
Despite a few tiny raindrops the cool weather made for a great day.
One popular vendor booth offered pup cup sundaes for grateful canines. The ice cream treats at the Doggie Beach cart are made from whole milk, lactose free and have no sugar, said vendor Samantha Clearfield of Bucks County, PA, who grew up spending summers in Ventnor. Pet parents customized their pup cup sundaes with a few little biscuits on top.
Children were anxious to start their races at the remote-controlled cars and trucks station, which featured vehicles marked like the real thing – Ventnor Police and Fire, VBA – and raced around the track before they wound up in a pile at the center of the ring. Giggles from miniature remote-control operators could be heard over the music.
One of the things that made the day special was the friendly atmosphere offered by neighbors. Included among the commercial vendors were booths for the city’s Police and Fire departments, Ventnor Special Events, Ventnor Business Association, North Beach Ventnor, and the Ventnor City Farmers Market, which is set to open for the season on May 22 in the parking lot at St. James Church.
Market Manager Karen Warner said there will be something new, something old and of course, the Old Coots will be there to offer advice – whether it’s good or bad advice, it’s always free.
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