By MADDY VITALE
Shoppers certainly were pleased on Saturday during a mega- shopping event – Ocean City’s annual “Market Madness.”
The event featured 30 shops from the Boardwalk and downtown in one venue at the Ocean City Music Pier.
Judging by the bustling atmosphere at the start of the event, Wes Kazmarck, president of the Boardwalk Merchants Association, said it looked as if it would be their strongest shopping event out of four.
“This is the best we’ve had so far. It’s been great and it’s a two-day event. The turnout is good,” Kazmarck said in between helping customers at his clothing display.
Kazmarck said that the event could not be successful without the great working relationship he has with Caitlin Quirk, president of the Downtown Merchants Association. He noted that both districts worked hard to put the event together.
There was an array of items for sale that pleased the crowds who perused the racks of clothing, checked out the toys, artwork and household items and everything in between.
From confections to gourmet cheese spreads to other goodies, there was a whole lot to eat and buy. Artwork, household items and jewelry attracted customers to tables. Mega-deals on clothing and other merchandise kept customers flowing into the Music Pier for the annual event.
Families also lined up to buy amusement park tickets, arcade fun cards and board games at the different vendor tables.
Mike and Caitlin McGarvey of Lehigh Valley, P.a., came down for the day with their daughters, Finleigh, 7, Rowan, 5, and seven-month-old daughter Emerson.
Finleigh was excited to find a board game at a Jilly’s vendor table – especially since the game is specifically all about Ocean City, aptly named “OCNJ-Opoly.”
“It looks like fun!” Finleigh exclaimed as she held the game proudly displaying it.
Mike McGarvey chimed in, “We haven’t bought it yet,” he said of the game. “But we will buy it soon.”
The family browsed the tables and had a full list of other activities they planned to do.
“We are going to get lunch. Rowan wants to go on the rides and go to the arcades too,” he added.
Maria Lewandowski, of Egg Harbor Township, brought her daughters, Sofia, 6, and 5-year-old, Emma, for a family outing.
They didn’t get far when they saw something that intrigued both Sofia and Emma – the sweets table courtesy of Lisa’s Sweet Treats bakery, an Asbury Avenue storefront.
“We’re just having a lot of fun,” Lewandowski said. “There are all kinds of stores here. They have good sales. Everyone has been so nice. It’s fun. There’s a little bit of everything.”
Kendall Rosenberger, of Margate, with 6-month-old daughter, Sloane, along with Kendall’s mother, Debi Kreisl, of Longport, browsed the clothing racks until they came upon some pretty dresses for babies at a display for Bad Kitty, a Boardwalk children’s boutique.
Kreisl couldn’t resist buying her granddaughter an outfit. “The clothing is great,” she said.
Kelly Kephart, manager of Bad Kitty, helped the family out.
She said that this year’s “Market Madness” was exceptional so far.
“The event has been great to get rid of some of our stock that was left over to make room for our new, spring stock, which we are really excited to have,” Kephart said, adding that it was shaping up to be a busy day.
The event continues Sunday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday.
