What better way to spend the Father’s Day Weekend than hanging out with Dad? Bringing your father to the farmers market on Saturday is a great way to learn more about his tastes, and to pick up ideal foods to cook for him on Sunday. Our vendors have put together some great gift baskets, menu ideas, and special treats for dad, so if you are still stumped on what to get your dad for Father’s Day, come on down to North Seventh Street in Fernandina Beach on Saturday, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and find the perfect present.

Golden Olive Press, who specializes in hand-selected, imported olive oils has put together an awesome grilling basket with their oils and seasonings from the Spice Pantry, another vendor at the farmers market. J.D. Beef will have some tasty grilling steaks in stock such as New York strips and top sirloin, as well as pork sausage and chops. B & D Sauce Company makes hot sauces from the Bohemian bird pepper, and they have created a gift set that includes one of everything they sell. That is five gift bottles wrapped up and ready to give, simply add a card.

Are you interested in sneaking some healthy options into your dad’s diet? Lady Bug Gourmet offers sugar-free pear-butter, peach-apple butter, cherry-apple butter, and blueberry-apple butter, and the owner Michele tells me, “They are all popular ‘dad’ flavors.” Joy of Garlic also carries a nice variety of sugar-free products in their line of salad dressings, salsa, and marinara sauces.

We have a new vendor this week, Kacie’s Cakes, if you are looking for traditional dessert; or try a fresh pie from Country Pies. Looking for gluten-free? Something Good is back this week with a variety of gluten-free baked sweets.

If you have been enjoying the royal red shrimp, I am sorry to announce this Saturday will be the last farmers market these tasty little crustaceans will be in season, but the Chessers will still be bringing their wild-caught, local shrimp. They sell out every week, so please call them today to place your order in advance: (904) 509-3337.

This week’s Booth With a Cause will be Nassau County’s Young Life. This organization introduces adolescents to Jesus Christ and helps them grow in their faith. Young Life is like one big “party with a purpose” where all are welcome and treated like honored guests, whether it is Club (the best night of the kids’ week) or Camp (the best week of their lives). But before the party ends, they share a simple message about God’s love for them. After all, that’s what the celebration is all about. Stop by their booth this week to learn more.

The Fernandina Beach Market Place is open every Saturday and located between Centre and Alachua Streets in the historic area of downtown Fernandina Beach.