April 22nd is the fourth Saturday of the month, and that means the Fernandina Beach Market Place farmers market will be joined by the Fernandina Beach Arts Market.

Located on North Seventh Street in the historic district of Amelia Island, both markets are open from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., rain or shine.

Earlier this month Vidalia onions became available, officially, for 2017. Limited to fields in less than two dozen South Georgia counties, these sweet onions can now be found at the farmers market in the Boatright Family Farm booth through mid-summer.

Returning to the farmers market this week is Tranquil Formations. Devon makes scented soy candles in a variety of simple and ornate cups, vases, bases, and holders. Devon donates a large portion of her proceeds to animal support foundations.

After the market our dogs, Bentley and Abby, greet me at the door with excitement to sniff out the fresh dog treats I’ve brought home from the vendor Bark-N-Bake. Our dogs, and dogs across Nassau County, will be thrilled to learn that this popular vendor is now coming every Saturday to the famers market with seasonal designs and creative flavors.

The Arts Market is happy to announce that local Artist Chuck Hall will be making his first appearance this week to display hand carved, original art from a variety of woods including cottonwood bark and butternut. His designs include seahorses, sea turtles, wood spirits, and other small items.

Another vendor making their inaugural showing in the Arts Market is Kathy Lewis of Emily’s Rock Garden. Started by Emily’s grandmother, Kathy, these hand-painted rocks became a way to raise money to help children receive alternative autism therapies such as horseback riding. At the age of 4, Emily was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder and horseback riding has been one of her most beneficial therapies.

April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month and the Women’s Centre of Jacksonville, which serves Nassau County, will be our weekly “Booth with a Cause”. We invite you to visit both markets and enjoy musical entertainment by Jenn Burns. Wells Fargo is joining us this week as our Brick and Mortar Booth, and market sponsors include Bath Fitter, Granite Transformations, and All American Gutter.

The farmers market will be open on April 29th, but please help us keep secret next week’s special surprise birthday celebration we are planning for Fernandina’s favorite celebrity, Felix. This will be a great opportunity to wear those wonderful Felix T-shirts and hats!

The farmers market will be closed on May 6th for the Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival.