Yes, we are open on December 26, 2015! This final farmers and arts markets for 2015 will be a unique reflection of our Fernandina Beach community, so come on down and help us celebrate the end of the year! You will find unbelievable deals and discounts on seasonal merchandise at both the Fernandina Beach Market Place farmers market and the Fernandina Beach Arts Market. This is also a great place to bring your holiday guests.
This week we are excited to announce the return of Rose and her “An Unbelievable Egg Roll”, as well as Jennifer with Hope Floats who sell a fabulous variety of goat soaps, and those oh-so-popular pierogis from Pierogi Hut in South Carolina is returning this Saturday, too!
A new year brings us hope and the opportunity for some who are eager to say, “Goodbye” to 2015 to wish for a better 2016, and what better way to get the New Year off to a good start than a traditional New Year’s Day feast?
While you won’t likely find a male baby dressed in a diaper, a hat and a sash at the farmers market, there are several different foods believed to provide luck and prosperity for the new year. Here in the South you will find some popular favorites at the farmers market on North Seventh Street in Fernandina Beach.
It has been said that what you do when the clock rings in the New Year is what you will be doing all year, so some hide money outside, or entertain guests out-of-doors, all to be brought in at midnight so you spend 2016 welcoming friends and prosperity.
Pick up some black eyed peas from Boatright Farms for a favorite holiday dish called “Hoppin’ John”, just add some onion, celery, green pepper and garlic. Some people say to eat one pea for every day of the new year, but remember, 2016 is a leap year so you’ll need to eat an extra pea this year. My family always adds a dime the pot of peas and whomever gets served the coin will have the best fortune of all.
Another New Year’s Day tradition is to eat greens. Greens symbolize money and economic fortune. It could be collards, kale, chard, or cabbage, all found at the farmers market in booths like Cabbage Creek, Bacon’s Select and King’s Kountry Produce. Supposedly, the more you eat, the larger your fortune in the new year.
Cakes and breads served in round shapes are popular, too, often with trinkets or prizes cooked inside and whomever gets the prize is guaranteed great fortune.
Of course, if you are heading to the Tax Slayer Bowl between Penn State and the University of Georgia in Jacksonville on January 2, 2016, you will want to pick up your tailgating favorites at the farmers market, too.
Music this week will be provided by Hickory Wind as we all gather at the market for fellowship and prepare to ring in the New Year. Both markets will be open, rain or shine, from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm, and your well-behaved, leashed pets are welcome.
No matter what tradition you celebrate to ring in 2016, all of us at the downtown markets wish you and yours a healthy, prosperous and Happy New Year!
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