Meal planning and shopping are consuming our days as we plunge into the final preparations for the Christmas holiday. The Fernandina Beach Market Place farmers market and the Fernandina Beach Arts Market will both be open on Saturday, December 16, 2017, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., rain or shine.

The farmers market vendors are also preparing for their own holiday traditions and this will be the last market before Christmas to shop at Cohen Pecans, Steephill Syrup, Lizzie’s Cheese Straws, Sunshine Grindz or Chesser Seafood. Cohen Pecans is a pecan farm in Georgia who only attends the farmers market four times per year, and this is their final visit for the season. Steephill is owned by a lovely couple who spend their winters on Amelia Island. They bring a variety of maple syrups and soft maple candies, fresh from their Vermont farm, to the Market Place. Lizzie’s Cheese Straws are perfect for holiday parties, a crispy, straw shaped cracker loaded with cheesy goodness. Now sold in party sized tubs, this will be a conversation starter at any holiday gathering. Sunshine Grindz is well known locally for their Hawaiian Poke. Fresh shrimp or tuna is a refreshing and healthy dish to introduce to your family and friends. Eat it as is, or simply stir fry and serve over quinoa or rice to make it feed a few more folks. Chesser Seafood will not be at the farmers market next week, so this is your last chance to get fresh, local shrimp before Christmas. They always sell out, so call them with your pre-orders at (904) 509-3337; I’ve already ordered mine!

Located adjacent to the farmers market, the Arts Market will be packed with talented local artists and crafters showing off their hand-made wares. You will find woodworking, furniture, fine and whimsical jewelry, hand-sewn quilts, handbags, and apparel, T-shirts, pottery, photography, wall art and more!

Music will be provided by one of our most popular family friendly and toe tapping entertainers: Bruce Beville and The Laid Back Band. Are you looking for a Christmas pet? The Nassau Humane Society will be parading their adorable adoptable dogs through the market for you to meet.

The Fernandina Beach Arts Market and the Fernandina Beach Market Place are open every Saturday in December. Find us on faceook for more information.