The Fernandina Beach Market Place farmers market will be open on Saturday, March 16, 2019, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., rain or shine. With nearly 40 booths of spreads, dips, seafood, shrimp, syrup, baked sweets, flavored salts, ice cream, and breads, you won’t just find food. You will also find balms and salves, goat milk soaps, flowers, plants, and blooming baskets.
As the farmers market manager, I field plenty of on-site questions from members and visitors in our community. Here are the most common:
Q: Are you open all year?
A: Yes, we are open every Saturday, rain or shine, except for the Saturday of the Shrimp Festival.
Q: What are your hours?
A: We are open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.
Q: How can I be a vendor?
A: First, please look around at all of our booths to establish whether we already have your product in our market. Then fill out an application and lease at FernandinaBeachMarketPlace.com. Also, send lots of pictures of your products. It really helps us to make a decision about your acceptance as a vendor.
Q: How long will it take to be approved.
A: Be patient, it can take up to four weeks to hear back from our approval committee.
Q: Do you accept SNAP benefits?
A: No, we do not accept the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) that provides nutrition assistance to eligible low-income individuals and families.
Q: Do you have wi-fi?
A: No, we do not have wi-fi.
Q: How can my business have a booth in the farmers market?
A: If you are a local non-profit, or own a business in downtown Fernandina Beach, we can offer you a free booth space once per quarter for promotional purposes only.
Q: My business is licensed in Fernandina Beach, but it is not located downtown.
A: Then you do not qualify for a free booth space. You can be a sponsor of the farmers market and purchase a booth space for $200.00. The space is still promotional only.
Q: When is the Arts Market open?
A: The Arts Market is open on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of the month, from 9 – 1.
Q: Where can I find an application for the Arts Market?
A: www.FernandinaBeachArtsMarket.com
Q: Can I sell Avon, Pampered Chef, LuLaRoe, or another similar product at your market?
A: No, we do not permit the re-selling of merchandise in the Arts Market. We only accept high quality art or crafts that you have created.
Q: Is there a waiting list to get into your market?
A: Yes, on some categories. We have waiting lists for jewelry, general baked goods, gluten free, pies, honey, jams and jellies, and seasonal produce.
Q: My wife makes a great bar-b-q sauce; can I sell it in your market?
A: Not unless you are cooking in a professional kitchen with applicable licensing. Some items may be cooked in your home kitchen and some may not. You will find the most current information on the Florida’s Department of Agriculture’s Fresh From Florida website; search “Cottage Foods.”
If you have a question that wasn’t addressed here, please stop by our management booth on Saturday and we’ll be happy to address your concerns.
Join us Saturday as we welcome Musician Steven Hinnant, who plays only for tips, and staff from the City of Fernandina Beach and Nassau County will be sharing an informational booth. Our market sponsor is All American Gutter, and of course, your well-behaved, leashed pets are welcome to join you.
