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A showcases of national talent joins local independent artisans during Asbury Park Boardwalk’s summer series of flea markets and festivals by boardwalk redeveloper Madison Marquette.

Kicking off on Friday and running through Sunday, the Seventh Annual Visionary Tattoo Festival returns to Convention Hall, located at 1300 Ocean Avenue.

A who’s who of tattoo artistry, the event includes over 10 best of contests, live music, food, and participation from Miss Asbury Park 2013 and 2014 – Aerialist Kendra Greaves, Madame Rosebud, and the Olde City Sideshow.

The Arts and Crafts Bazaar features over 50 local and national artists selling their hand crafted home decor items, ceramics, jewelry, prints, and sculptures Saturday and Sunday in Bradley Park, located at the Fifth and Ocean avenues.

Vegan and vegetarian purveyors She’s Got Balls, Dill With It, and Cha-Yen join a full lineup of musical talent by Asbury Underground and Hot Sand Glassblowing Studio’s Make + Takes sun tile interactive.

Two River Theater also will be on hand with fun crafts for kids in support of their upcoming Theater For Young Audiences production of “The Way Back Home,” and local glamping purveyor Wanderland [shown at right] will provide lounge tents and blankets for moments of ambient relaxation.

Proceeds will benefit the local Move for Hunger nonprofit, which utilizes the moving experience across the nation into an opportunity to reduce food waste by collecting non perishable items that are donated to food banks.

Next month, Phoenicia Flea joins the lineup of unique offerings. Held from  August 20 – 21, the curated flea market features makers and merchants from the Catskills and the Hudson Valley.

“We are thrilled to host such an incredible line-up of retail this summer that reflects the spirit of Asbury’s beachfront access and natural attractions,” said Peter Tomai, Madison Marquette’s Managing Director in a written statement. “In combination with the diverse array of artisans, musicians and entertainers convening on the boardwalk this summer, we look forward to infusing Asbury with a fresh collection of dining, retail and entertainment options to excite our regular visitors, and attract an entirely new demographic to our boardwalk.”

This equates to participation by over 200 independent designers and merchants featured through summer’s end as well as a host of new pop up and retail venue offerings.

Wanderlust, a custom surf shop dedicated to independent surf labels, High Voltage Café and Storehouse are among the new retail venues that joined United by Blue, an eco-conscious apparel company, and Havaianas’ Brazil-inspired summer footwear as redefined boardwalk shopping.

For more information, visit Madison Marquette.

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The Asbury Park Sun is affiliated with the triCityNews newspaper.

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