It is big market Saturday in Fernandina Beach! From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., rain or shine, North Seventh Street, between Alachua and Centre Streets, will be home to nearly 50 booths of seasonal produce and farm grown specialties. King's Kountry Produce of Starke, Florida, return every week to Fernandina bringing a wide variety of fruits and vegetables. You will find squash and zucchini, cauliflower and tomatoes. There is broccoli, apples, citrus and potatoes. Discover carrots, berries and fresh Brussel sprout; and large heads of cabbage to make your own kraut. Bacon's Family Farm grows hydroponic, green or red butterhead lettuce. They also bring fresh yard eggs, grow kale and Bok choy, have the tastiest cherry tomatoes, and Heather Bacon makes her own salad dressing that is named for her husband, "Freddie's Favorite." The Carter Family Homestead brings oyster mushrooms, and grow kits from their farm in Callahan, and if you arrive early enough, they may still have some of their Lion's Mane in stock. Gypsy Microgreens is another vendor who grows young peas, arugula, sweet corn, sunflower, radish, cress and more. These young plants are great on salads, soups or sandwiches and they pack quite a punch of nutrients and flavor. They also carry grow kits and pet grass for your furry friends.
Coffee, cheese straws and gluten-free breads, you'll find jellies, shrimp and garlicky spreads. Stroll through orchids, house plants, flowers and shrubs; hot sauce, sea salts, dip mix and rubs. Look for beard oil, lotion, goat soap and scrubs; ceviche, salsa and guacamole in tubs. There will be bagels, scones, baguettes and cake pops; and cinnamon rolls with or without powdered tops. Imagine everything a bakery bakes, like cookies, pitas and Holly's Bundt Cakes. Named for their daughter, this veteran-owned micro bakery specializes in fresh, made from scratch, bundt cakes in undeniable classic flavors such as rich and velvety chocolate silk, red velvet and the fruity favorite, strawberry. Look for these and other, amazing vendors like Chef Bill Thompson and his weekly specialties.
Thirty more vendors show off fashion and style, so much to look at, this may take a while. Peruse beach glass, leather and metal-wrapped gems; and make your own necklace with charms found in bins. Tents display shark's teeth, sea shells, decor'; hand bags, wallets, fan gear and more. Find hand-crafted wood work and utility knives, greeting cards, crochet and apparel for wives. There are racks of tie-dyed shirts, dresses and drapes and hand-crafted pottery includes cups, saucers and plates. With so many great artists, it’s hard to pick one, so come let me tell you more about some.
One amazing vendor in the Arts Market is Author Steve Gibbs. After penning several novels in the Java series, he turned his talent to a children's book named after his daughters Holly and Brynn. The Children of Hollybrynn Mountain is a fantasy. A group of diverse children live happily in a castle until one of the kids is kidnapped by a rapture dragon. The only adult they can turn to for help is a friendly witch. Will she help them save little Joey? Stop by the booth and meet Steve. He'd be happy to autograph this, or any other of his books; however, he won't tell you how the story ends. Blessed Baby Boutique will be a vendor in the Arts Market and offers one of the best gift ideas for babies or expecting parents. These color and fabric coordinated, handmade baby blankets come with a matching burp pad and bib. She also selects a children's book and bundles them all together in one wonderful pack. She recently expanded into cute capes for kids and humorous, and practical, bibs for adults. While we are on the topic of youth, meet Jett Paxton, the Woodcarving Dude. This talented teen has been chipping, carving and chiseling his way his way into the art scene for several years. While he specializes is tree spirits in the Amelia and St. Simons Islands area, he also creates wall hangings, and sculptures. Jett has earned quite the reputation for turning tree stumps and eye sores into majestic works of art. Swing by his booth and say, "Hello" to this young entrepreneur.
Our Booth With a Cause this week is the Rotary Club of Fernandina Beach. A volunteer organization that focuses on promoting peace, supports education, protects the environment and focuses on several other community and global issues. Our featured brick-n-mortar will be Robbie and Toni Mullins of Summer House Realty. This family-oriented duo loves our community and when it comes to real estate in Nassau County, they are eager to show you around and get to know their future neighbors. Market sponsors include All American Leaf Filter, A1A Solar and Renewal by Andersen. Live music will be provided by Jenn Burns, so bring a blanket for the lawn, pack up the kids, and join us for an amazing morning in the fresh air at your community farmers market.
For more information, both markets are online and on social media.
Judie Mackie can be reached by email to Judi@PirateCommunications.com.