Thanksgiving is over so let the holiday shopping begin! Saturday, November 24, 2018, is Small Business Saturday and what better way to show your support for local business than to shop the booths at the farmers market, the arts market, and the quaint shops of historic Fernandina Beach? Mom and Pop shops, small farmers, and local artists struggle for sales against big box stores, online shopping outlets, and large grocery chains. In 2010 American Express stepped up the effort to support these local businesses that build strong communities. Always held the Saturday after Thanksgiving, we encourage you to do more to shop small for the holidays.

The farmers market will have over 40 booths of seasonal produce, freshly baked breads, savory canned goods, coffee, tea, and plenty of sweet treats. You will find honey, dips, Alaskan salmon, local shrimp, fresh beef, and scallops. For mind, body and spirit, there will be lotions, candles, and ointments, and if you are tired of cooking you will find tasty prepared meals from Catering by Bottega and Oizeo’s Asian tapas. Maybe you want to spruce up your patios, porches and landscaping? Then be sure to chekc out the plants from Seven Trees Nursery and Ever Blooming Gardens. These long time vendors have succulents, blooming baskets, unique species, and conversation starters that are perfect for your home or to give as a gift. This Saturday our spotlight will be on Joy of Garlic and their garlic spreads, pasta sauces, Mediterranean specialties, salad dressings and olive oils. These vegan delights are gluten-free, and have no cholesterol, dairy or sugar. They are also made with no preservatives, low sodium, and low carbohydrates. From Waycross, Georgia, we have Ganas Pecans. They bring roasted and salted pecans, and gourmet pecan halves like pralines and glazed pecans. In addition to boiled peanuts, they have pecan brittle and pecan oil. You can also get a bag of cracked and blown pecans for cooking or snacking, and their milk and dark chocolate covered pecans are absolutely delicious. Vicky and EPIC ice cream will be back this Saturday, too, with not just her fabulous ice cream cups and sandwiches, but she will also have cranberry and pumpkin macaroons.

What better way to walk off those extra Thanksgiving calories than to shop in the outdoors with family and friends while browsing an amazing array of unique products you can find at the Fernandina Beach Arts Market. With 30 booths of handmade arts and crafts there is fine and whimsical jewelry, woodworking, paintings, handbags, apparel, stained glass, and so much more. There is something for everyone on your list; shop small and show your support for local businesses.

This week’s musician will be Alain Lelait, and our Booth With a Cause will be Community Hospice. Both markets are open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. every Saturday through the end of the year, rain or shine. Well behaved, leashed pets are welcome.