SOMERS POINT — It was a bit parky in the morning, but as the sun reached its zenith and the weather warmed, enthusiastic people from near and far descended on Bay Avenue for the city’s first Bayfest celebration since 2019.
Craft and food vendors, nonprofit organizations and entertainment offerings lined both sides of the street street from Pleasure to Annie avenues along Great Egg Harbor Bay.
The event was started in 1989 to coincide with Earth Day and celebrate the city’s maritime heritage. Since then, it has become the city’s most popular event, drawing more than 30,000 people to the city’s historic district in a kickoff to summer.
Gabe Cole-Brant of the Give and Take Jugglers was practicing his rope-walking skills as Ian Deibert put the finishing touches on his sand sculpture.
Four-year-old Charlotte Curry and sister Cameron, 2, got to take a pony ride. Will and Stephanie Curry of Northfield brought them out for the day.
Dead Reckoning was one of three or four bands entertaining the crowd, strategically located fair enough apart so they could be enjoyed.
Darren and Lynndell Anzisi brought their Good Boy Biscuits & Bones products from Galloway Township. Pirate Pete’s soda was rrrrright across the street.
Blake Carson, 5, in town from Voorhees, enjoyed getting her face painted while Maddox and Keller Giunta, 4 and 7, took a break on the curb to down a corn dog.
At the playground on William Morrow Beach, Antonia Phillip, 7, got some sliding time while mother Heather Martina enjoyed the sun.
