Three markets open for last-minute shopping

There are five Saturdays in December, so the Fernandina Beach Market Place farmers market and the Fernandina Beach Arts Market will be open on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, but Dec. 17 will be the final Wildlight Market Place for 2022. Since all three markets will be open this Saturday, let's start with the Fernandina Beach Market Place farmers market. If you want plants, wild-caught shrimp, Bacons' fresh salad mix, seasonal vegetables from King's Kountry Produce or dog treats from Bark-N-Bake for Christmas, you'll need to get them this week as some of our vendors will not be setting up at the farmers market on Christmas Eve. There will be fresh baked breads, yard eggs, seasonal produce, handcrafted body lotions and soaps, hand-poured soy candles and more. Chef Ce'tia is back in Fernandina Saturday with her delicious cakes and cheesecakes. She even takes a green apple and stuffs it with her popular cheesecake. Whether you are looking for a savory meal or to satisfy a sweet tooth, Chef Ce'tia also offers a variety of catering services like meal preparation, menu building, private parties, gourmet desserts and more. Another popular chef in the farmers market is Johnson and Wales University graduate Bill Thompson. This former Ritz-Carlton chef also taught culinary arts for more than 10 years. His new book, "Fork Full of Paradise: Recipes from Amelia Island," is fun to read, filled with stories of Amelia Island and loaded with easy-to-follow recipes.

Speaking of authors, Steve Gibbs has just released his ninth fiction novel, "Sparky," and he will be at the Arts Market on the 17th and Christmas Eve signing autographs and meeting his newest fans. About his latest book, the gods have sent Sparky to Earth to determine whether we are living up to our potential, whether we are worthy of this wonderful planet. His journey takes him from the Midwest to the Florida Keys, out west to the Zuni Reservation in Arizona, to San Francisco and on to Hawaii. Gibbs' ninth fiction novel takes you on a journey like no other as he observes humans during the COVID pandemic. But his mission is almost waylaid by a beautiful ornithologist, Siva Falconi, who just might be the perfect woman.

Also, at the Arts Market, you will find hand-forged knives, ice-dyed apparel, macrame plant holders and crochet animals. You will find holiday decorations, wood working, apparel, children's hooded and embroidered bath towels, fine jewelry and statement pieces, paintings, dog accessories and so much more.

Music this week is provided by pianist David Crout, who will be entertaining us with plenty of holiday favorites. Our Booth With a Cause will be Nassau County. They are setting up a booth to talk about Nassau County job openings. The Fernandina Beach Market Place farmers market is located on North Seventh Street, with the Arts Market located right next door in the back parking lot of Pineland Bank.

Out in the Wildlight Market Place, there will be produce, fresh meats, adorable cookies and Mitchel's Boiled Peanuts. You will find glasswork, jewelry, handcrafted soaps, beard oils, woodworking and a food truck, where you can enjoy brunch and listen to the music of Brian Jarvis, who has added a few holiday tunes to his playlist.

Wildlight is located just north of State Road 200, slightly east of I-95, at 123 Tinker St.

Your well-behaved, leashed pets are welcome to join you at any of our markets. The markets are open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and you can find us easily online or on Facebook, too.