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Why wait on cargo ships? Shop local in Fernandina

Posted
Fernandina Beach Market Place

Submitted by Judie Mackie

October 2021

Are you alarmed by the media coverage of cargo ships waiting for weeks to get into a port to unload? Does the news on television have you worried about shopping for the holidays this season? Well, have no fear, the Fernandina Beach Arts Market is here!!! Now open most Saturdays through the holidays, this arts and craft show is a local shopping extravaganza. Meet the artist who paints on canvas, the woodworker making cutting and charcutier boards, and the seamstress who embroiders toilet paper and toddler towels. Meet Valerie Barnes who ice dyes shirts, skirts, and dresses; you can even sign up for her classes and make your own. You will find displays of custom cups, signage, furniture, pet collars, and so much more. Shop local and support the products being crafted, designed, and assembled right here in the good ole' U.S. of A.

The Fernandina Beach Arts Market is located adjacent to the weekly farmers market you will find every Saturday on North Seventh Street, downtown, between Centre and Alachua Streets. Open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., rain or shine, the Market Place farmers market offers seasonal produce, goat milk and cheeses, and fresh baked breads. Meet Freddie Bacon who grows hydroponic lettuce, kale and cucumbers, or Joanna Jordan who measures, mixes and cooks up a healthy bottle of elderberry syrup. Rose Didion is back this week with authentic Vietnamese egg rolls, Joe and Elizabeth Lee are returning with their flavored lemonades, and Steephill Design is back from Vermont with his delicious maple syrup.

There will be dips, hot sauces, dressings, marinades, honey, dried fruits, gluten-free and vegan baked goods, desserts, pies, and JD Beef is bringing of trailer full of freshly butchered beef, pork, and whole chickens. You will find guacamole, salsas, crab salad, salmon dips, salmon filets, and wild caught shrimp, too. There is so much to sample and see, I truly cannot name it all!

We invite you to come out and join us under the Spanish moss draped oak trees of old Florida, and shop outside in the fresh air. Bring your family, your friends, and your little dog, too, and get a jump start on your holiday shopping and put a little food in your freezer knowing you are supporting your neighbors and their local small businesses.

Do you have an interest in joining our fine family of vendors in either market? Visit FernandinaBeachArtsMarket.com for arts and crafts, or food vendors should visit FernandinaBeachMarketPlace.com for applications and more information.

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