Hear ye, hear ye, be it declared that on the 27th day, in the fourth month – known as “April”, in the year two thousand thirteen, merchants from near and far will invade the city of Fernandina Beach, Florida.
This free celebration of farmers shall be called, “The Fernandina Beach Market Place,” and will continue until 4:00 PM on this single, special day!
Fresh baked pastries and loaves of the finest breads will be brought into port. Fragrant bouquets will fill the air from organic soaps and soy candles, while peasants squeal in delight from the culinary flavors of Merge. Others found roaming the street may find themselves unable to avoid the seduction brought about by a rare Vietnamese egg roll.
Spices brought to port from around the world will be blended with the native fruits of our homeland to make jams and jellies sure to please the palate. And jars of cucumbers, pickled beets, and a variety of sauces and dips are up for a fair trade to be had by the locals.
Milk, eggs, cheeses and meats will come from the best livestock farms in all of the land, and farmers who dress the tables of Kings will bring their lettuce, cucumbers, kale, carrots, and other treasures that will lead your tastebuds into temptation.
Mid morning fills the streets with the laughter of dancing children, prancing royal musicians and decorated platforms will be towed through town, as the Pirate Parade begins at 11:00 AM. You’ll find a finale no finer than this one with the explosive powders of the orient, as vibrantly costumed Pirates claim our small Amelia Island community as their own and annouce the approaching Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival.
We hope you can join us downtown as we welcome our newest weekly vendor, Island Juice and Java, to the market. This hut from the tropics will feature freshly prepared ice cold smoothies and organically grown, fair trade coffee, roasted locally and sold by the cup or by the pound.
Dare ye to miss this festive day of fun as we wear our finest pirate attire, enjoy the sounds of Gabriel Arnold on the saxophone, learn more about your local YMCA and enjoy demonstrations of Dance Trance. We welcome one and all, and their scurvy dog, too, to N. 7th Street, in historic, downtown Fernandina Beach.
To learn more about YOUR local farmers’ market, please find us on facebook or call (904) 557-8229.
The Market Place is open every Saturday, rain or shine. Because of the Shrimp Festival Parade, we will be extending our hours on April 27, 2013 to 4:00 PM.
We will be closed on May 4, 2013, due to the Isle of Eight flags Shrimp Festival.