By Judy Pokras

There was no moon in the sky, which filled up with storm clouds not long after the 4 p.m. start time of the first event in the new series “Margate Under the Moon.” But there was much to interest anyone who happened by, including 17 food trucks parked in a large field, and two rows of tented tables exhibiting such wares as artist-made jewelry and crafts.

Margate Under the Moon, sponsored by the Margate Community Redevelopment Agency to highlight local businesses, debuted on Saturday, August 8th. The food trucks — with names like The Sinful Sandwich, Flour Power, and Bahama Buck’s — were painted in eye-catching colors and designs. Attendees found an array of treats, from paella and empanadas to burgers and pizza. Along with dishes for meat-eaters, like their MachoMen Sandwich, the “Mita’s Dishes Food Truck” offered vegetarian ones based on Mita’s secret recipes. The Cuban-born Mita Duran, the mother of five, runs the truck with her husband, Ernest, who hails from Costa Rica. She said she lost 30 pounds by eating plant-based meals. The Miami-based couple started the business four and a half years ago to have time to spend with their family.

Among the tables was Irina Samarkina’s, bedecked with the one-of-a-kind jewelry she makes in tribal, bohemian, and classic styles. The Russian-born Irina likes to work with natural materials, and incorporates vintage and exotic elements in her designs, such as a horn pendant from Tibet. The 35-year-old Fort Lauderdale resident named her company Cameri Jewelry, after her two children, Camilla and Eric.