ASL Santa Brings Holiday Magic to Margate’s Shop Small Event

Margate's annual Spectacular Shop Small and Parade this Saturday, November 29th, is highlighted by an appearance by ASL Santa in a lifeguard boat.

American Sign Language Santa and friends will parade down Ventnor Avenue at noon on Saturday, spotlighting the local shopping and giving Deaf and hearing kids a chance to spend some time with Santa Claus.

Margate's Small Business Saturday Parade

Margate's Small Business Saturday Parade is as local as it gets, with ASL Santa and friends escorted by Margate's Police and Fire Departments.

After the parade, sponsored by Bocca Coal Fire Biestro, all are welcome at Bocca for an afternoon of free pizza and treats, music, games, prizes, and crafts.

Santa is known as ASL Santa because of his ability to communicate in American Sign Language.

That's a neat trick for the hearing kids, but for many of the Deaf children who attend, it is their first-ever time being able to truly communicate with Santa Claus.

Bocca Owner's Favorite Christmas Tradition

Lou Freedman of Bocca’s Coal Fired Bistro told me recently that hosting ASL Santa each year has become his favorite thing about the Christmas season.

"The (Deaf) kids really enjoy their time with ASL Santa, and they are so happy to be able to really tell him what they want for Christmas in their own way. It's just beautiful."

Lou asked me to spread the word to all parents of Deaf children in South Jersey, because it is such a wonderful opportunity for these children. The Deaf families prefer to sit at a round table so they can watch ASL Santa signing with all the children.

It's also an educational experience for the hearing children, many of whom have never seen anyone using sign language.

Bocca, at 7805 Ventnor Avenue, gives away a slice of pizza and a drink to each child who comes into the restaurant after the parade from noon to 4 pm Saturday.