November 26, 2016, is Small Business Saturday and the Fernandina Beach Market Place farmers market is asking you to shop local. Traditionally one of the busiest shopping weekends of the year, American Express launched this shop small movement in 2010. In 2011, the United States Senate unanimously passed a resolution of support for Small Business Saturday.

So, come on down to historic Fernandina Beach and see what great gift giving ideas the small business owners within the farmers market are putting on display for you.

Lizzie’s Cheese Straws are a savory baked crackers, shaped like a French fry. Their irresistible flavor has been featured in Delta Magazine and can be found in airport gift shops. While gaining in popularity across the region, the owners and bakers who made this little snack famous still attend the farmers market twice a month here on Amelia Island, and these cheese straws are a great stocking stuffer or addition to a gift basket.

Another great treat that won’t be “our little secret” much longer is Joy’s Gourmet Garlic who make all of their delicious products right here in Florida. Many of their products are gluten free, no sugar added, no trans fats, no preservatives, no hydrogenated oils, low in sodium, low in carbohydrates and low in cholesterol. Their 100% natural treats include salad dressings, pasta sauces, garlic spreads, and salsas. My personal favorite is the garlic artichoke salad, perfect for use in dips, spreads and scampi recipes.

B & D Hot Sauce specializes in Bahamian Bird Peppers, a seed brought to the United States that absolutely thrives on their farm here in NE Florida. For the holiday season they are offering gift boxed sets. The “whole deal” is a complete product line-up including three, full size three sauces, the mash, and their salt rub in a gift box for only $40.00. They will also be featuring three gift wrapped bottled sauces for $28.00, and for $21.00 you can pick up a gift basket with your choice of two sauces.

A great gift to bring to holiday parties, or perhaps to keep for yourself, would be a colorful, blooming Christmas cactus or a beautiful poinsettia. Both will be available from Seven Trees Nursery every Saturday throughout the holiday season.

This week’s featured Brick and Mortar Business Booth will be Bat-bikes. These are electric assisted, Cruiser, Fat Tire, and Cargo bicycles. They will also have prototypes of their 2017 models as well as used e-bikes, electric scooters, and hover boards.

Music will be provided by local musician Alain Lelait, and the Booth with a Cause is the Amelia Island Museum of History who will be on hand to answer all of your questions about the upcoming, 10th Annual Holiday Home Tour. This week’s market will be sponsored by Bath Fitter and All American Gutter.

The Fernandina Beach Market Place farmers market is open every Saturday, rain or shine, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and is located on North Seventh Street, between Alachua and Centre Streets in historic Fernandina.