Margate, N.J. – Over Labor Day weekend, families and friends filled the sand at Margate’s boardwalk, taking advantage of bright sunshine and unusually warm Atlantic waters for one last taste of summer.
“Come down to the shore. It’s the last rah‑rah, I guess. It’s just a beautiful beach day, and you have Lucy the Elephant behind us,” said Lucy Paccione, owner and founder of The Other Lucy Beach Grille, as she welcomed beachgoers to the historic landmark.
Visitors swam, built sandcastles and shared meals at local eateries. “The water’s warm, so that makes me happy because I can actually go in it,” said Emma Coleman of Washington Township, who spent the day with her family.
For many, a day at the shore is a beloved family tradition. “I like spending time at the beach with friends and family,” said Ryan Richman of Voorhees, echoing the sentiment of dozens of locals who gathered along the coast.
Local businesses see a strong finish
The holiday also marked a busy finale for beachfront businesses. Paccione noted, “Considering the state of the economy, we were really impressed with how many people came to the shore points.” The Other Lucy Beach Grille reported a surge in patrons, underscoring the community’s support for local enterprises even as the tourist season winds down.
Mixed feelings as summer ends
While some youngsters expressed disappointment at the approaching school year, others reflected positively on the summer they just experienced. “My school starts this upcoming Tuesday, but yeah I’m pretty sad that summer’s ending,” said Brody Schiffman of Lower Merion. “Great, it’s been really fun and exciting,” added Max Padersky, also of Lower Merion.
Jacob Brand of Robbinsville summed up the mood: “It’s so nice; it’s wonderful down here.” Yet not everyone was ready to say goodbye to the heat. “I don’t like sweating, so I would like it a little cooler. I’m the opposite; I love it when it’s so hot,” said Matt McFarland of Washington Township.
Looking ahead to next summer
Despite the bittersweet farewell, many families are already planning a return. “I had a great summer. I’m sad that it’s over. But we’ll be back next year, 2027,” Coleman said, hopeful for another season of sun, surf and community togetherness.
As Margate transitions into fall, local officials and business owners alike are optimistic that the strong Labor Day turnout signals continued support for the shore’s economy and the family‑focused lifestyle that defines the town.
Original reporting: Allentown News – 6abc Philadelphia — read the source article.
