Fernandina Beach, FL

The 46th Annual Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival was held this weekend in Fernandina Beach on Amelia Island Florida.

Fernandina Beach is a charming historic town at the very north end of Florida and this Festival is really special. Just ask the vendors. No, ask the Pirates!

From the tree-lined streets flanked by specialty shops, businesses and restaurants leading to the harbor, the quality of fine art and crafts displayed, to the wonderful food, the Shrimp Festival is a great weekend or day trip.

Enjoy seeing some of the fine arts and crafts that were available.

William Maurer, a well-known artist, who created the Festival poster has a new book. His watercolors were also in display. Maurer spends part of the year in Cannes, France and the rest of the year in Fernandina Beach.

Pirates were everywhere! Turns out there are two prominent clubs in our area: The Fernandina Pirates Club and the Brothers of the Coast in Jacksonville. Fernandina Pirates are the flamboyant ones, while their Jacksonville counterparts prefer more authentic Pirate attire.

We missed the Boat Parade, but here's one of the boats still decked out.

Here are some other great photos we had to show you! A fun lady with a great necklace, a vender with scrumptious food, the band brought the ladies onstage for a song and our grandson Joshua decked out in his sunglasses!

This is one Festival you don't want to miss. Make plans for next year. It is held the first weekend in May.

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Want to know more about homes in the Fernandina Beach area of Jacksonville FL? Email me at sharon@teamalters.com or call 904-673-2308.

Visit our website at www.teamalters.com for all homes in the greater Jacksonville FL area.

Original Photography, All Rights Reserved. *Shrimp Festival - Fernandina Beach Florida*

Christmas on Amelia Island is full of activities from parades to bed and breakfast tours to traditional music and plays. The weather is comfortable with highs in the 60's and lows in the 40's. Great winter weather without the snow. The summer crowds are gone so it is easy to see and go to all the events. Come visit Amelia Island this holiday and experience Christmas island style.

Below is a list of events that are happening on and off the island. Call or email if you have any questions about them.

'Family Fun Night'...Amelia Island Plantation will hold a "Holiday Family Fun Nights" Dec. 6, 13, 20 and 27.

Ring in the season...Memorial UMC handbell ringing this Advent. On the last Sunday of Advent, Dec. 21, to the 8:30 or 11 a.m. services hear the Bellissimo Bells ring. Call 261-5769 for information.

'Light up a Life'...Take Stock in Children presents its annual "Light up a Life" evening of fine wine, buffet dinner and silent auction on Dec. 4 from 6-9 p.m. at the Racquet Park Conference Center, Amelia Island Plantation.Tickets are $35 in advance or $40 at the door. Call 548-4464 or visit Resort to Home or the Ocean Clubhouse at the Plantation.

Auction items include a seven-night cruise, two tickets to the Rose Bowl Parade and football game, two tickets to the Masters, a two-night stay for two with dinner at the Plantation and more.

Christmas Glow...The Annual Christmas Glow sponsored by the Woman's Club of Fernandina Beach will be held on Dec. 5 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Woman's Club Clubhouse at 201 Jean Lafitte Blvd. Just follow the luminaries to the clubhouse. There will be face painting, entertainment and visits with Santa. Chili, hot dogs, chips and colas will be served for a fee. Cookies and punch will be free. This is the Woman's Club's gift to the community. All ages are invited. Call 261-4885.

'Christmas Carol'...Fernandina Little Theatre presents a readers' theater radio play version of the holiday classic, "A Christmas Carol," by Charles Dickens. Dramatized by Mercedes Brownett, Alison Brasil, Steve Croft, Barb Deely, Ed Deely, Jeff Goldberg, Jim Hestand, Linda Janca, Al Ryan and Lis Ryan, the production is directed by Josh Tyler. Performances are Dec. 5, 6,12 and 13 at 7:30 p.m. and Dec. 14 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 plus a donation of "coffee, tea or toiletries" for gift baskets for the elderly needy. Tickets can be purchased at FLT, 1014 Beech St., and at The UPS Store located in the Publix shopping center on Sadler Road.

Luminary tour...The Centre Street Luminary Tour at 6 p.m. Dec. 5 and 6 will offer fascinating stories that shaped Fernandina's history and propelled the town into a National Historic District. The hour-long tour starts at the railroad depot at 102 Centre St. Tickets are S10/adults and $5/students. Call Thea Seagraves at 261-7378, ext. 105.

'The Nutcracker'...The Dance Alive National Ballet Company, assisted by local children, will perform "The Nutcracker" Dec. 5 at 7 p.m. at Fernandina Beach Middle School. Tickets are $25 for adults and $5 for children and available at the Amelia Arts Academy, The Ocean Club at Amelia Island Plantation and Lisa Allen's Dance Works. For more information, call 277-1225.

Courtyard Christmas...St. Michael Academy, 228 N. Fourth St., presents "Christmas in the Courtyard" on Dec. 6 from 6:30-8 p.m. Enjoy a Yuletide musical celebration, nativity and tree lighting and complimentary refreshments. Bring your own chair or blanket. Call 321-2102. The rain date is Dec. 7.

Christmas parade...The Callahan Christmas Parade will be held at 11 a.m. Dec. 6. In conjunction with the parade, the chamber is sponsoring an Arts and Crafts Show in the Southeastern Bank parking lot. This year's theme is "A Tropical Christmas." Contact the chamber at (904) 879-1441.

Parade of Paws...Redbones Dog Bakery and Boutique will hold its 9th annual "Parade of Paws" down Centre Street on Dec. 6. Bring your pooch dressed in holiday attire - prizes and trophies will be awarded. Lineup begins at 10 a.m. and the parade at 11 a.m. at Eighth and Centre streets in the Atlantic Bank parking lot. Pre-register at Redbones, 809 S. Eighth St. Entry fee is a minimum $10 donation, with all proceeds benefiting the Nassau Humane Society. Following the parade, enjoy food, pet adoptions, pet photographers and arts and crafts for sale at Redbones. Call 321-0020.

Craft bazaar...The 13th annual Christmas Craft Bazaar will be held Dec. 6 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at the Atlantic Avenue Recreation Center in the main auditorium. There will be unique Christmas gifts, wreaths, ornaments, food, baked goods and more. Admission is free and open to the public.

'Star Journey' concert...The public is invited to attend the premiere of "Star Journey" on Dec. 7 at 7 p.m. at Memorial United Methodist Church, 601 Centre St., Fernandina Beach.

The choir is made up of singers from Jacksonville and Fernandina Beach and will feature Emma Bledsoe as soloist. The instrumental group consists of Lynn Hicks, piano, Letty Rubin, flute, and Don Wiest, clarinet. Narrator is Nancie Waldron. Director is Jane Lindberg.

"Star Journey" is a new Christmas cantata about stars throughout the Bible, beginning with Genesis and continuing to the Star of Bethlehem. Patricia Bloebaum, Jacksonville, conceived the work and wrote the book and the lyrics. Jane Lindberg, Fernandina Beach, composed the music and arranged the score for SATB choir, Soprano Solo, Piano, Flute, Clarinet and Percussion. The concert is free. For more information, call 225-0575.

Emma Love concert...The Emma Love Hardee Elementary School fifth grade band will perform a concert of Christmas music at 7 p.m. Dec. 8 at the Fernandina Beach Middle School auditorium. The event is free and open to the public.

A Classic Christmas...Friends of the Library holiday tea celebrates 20th century Christmas literature with an introduction by Marilyn Wesley (former professor of literature) and readers Ron Kurtz, Judy Tipton and Bradley Bean on Dec. 9 at 3:30 p.m. at Elizabeth Pointe Lodge. Tickets include one copy of the hardcover edition of Christmas Stories: $25 for FOL members and $30 for non-members. Proceeds benefit the Fernandina Beach branch library.

'Holiday Pops' evening...ARIAS (Amelia Residents In Action for the Symphony) has arranged an entire evening for you, with dinner at the Ocean Club on the Amelia Island Plantation, followed by concert tickets and round-trip bus transportation to and from Jacoby Hall for the Jacksonville Symphony Orchestra's "Holiday Pops" performance on Dec. 12.

Contact Ted Preston at 277-6618 for tickets and information.

Ride the Polar Express...Listen to favorite holiday stories, create your own tree ornament, sip hot cocoa and enjoy tasty cookies at the Fernandina Beach branch library, then ride Fernandina's trolley to the train depot, City Hall and other stops in historic downtown on Dec. 13 from 1-5 p.m.

This is the first of three family literacy programs sponsored by the Nassau County Libraries and the Friends of the Library and funded with a grant from the State Library of Florida. Get free trolley tickets in advance at the library. For details, call 277-7365.

'Christmas in Toyland'..."Christmas in Toyland," the annual lighted holiday parade in downtown Fernandina Beach, sponsored by Americas Youth, Inc., will be held Dec. 13 at 6 p.m.

Grand marshals are Mary Mercer and Herman Springs. There will be special appearances by Santa and Mrs. Claus.

The parade route begins at South 11th and Ash streets, travels west on Ash to South Second Street, north to Centre Street, east on Centre to South 11th Street, ending at Central Park.

For information call Vernetta Spaulding at 261-0801 or Louryne Spaulding at 583-3085.

Boat parade...The first Fernandina Harbor Holiday Lighted Boat Parade will be held Dec. 13 at 8 p.m. at the city marina at the foot of Centre and Ash streets in downtown Fernandina Beach, following the Lighted Christmas Parade.

Spectators are invited to bring their chairs and view the lighted parade from along the boardwalk.

All boats must be decorated with lights in a Christmas/holiday theme. Applications are available online at www.downtownfernandina.com. Entry is free prior to Dec. 1, but a $25 registration fee will apply after Dec. 1. The field is limited to 40 boats.

The Fernandina Harbor Holiday Lighted Boat Parade is hosted by the Historic Fernandina Business Association. For information, contact Sandy Price at (904) 206-0756 or by e-mail slprice@bellsouth.net.

Yulee Holiday Festival...Preparations are under way for the fourth annual Yulee Holiday Festival at the Yulee Sports Complex on Dec. 13 from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. The festival will offer food and arts and craft vendors, games and live music and entertainment for all ages by local celebrities, churches and schools. If you think your quality product or service is of interest to the community, call Connie Daughtry at 225-2516 for more information.

'Christmas Star'...Yulee Baptist Church presents "A Christmas Star" Dec. 14 at 7 p.m., a musical comedy with a great message. Music will be performed by the Yulee Baptist Church Children's Choir. All are welcome. Call 225-5128.

Jewelry sale...The Baptist Medical Center Nassau Auxiliary will hold a Phantasia Jewelry Sale Dec. 18 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. in dining rooms 1 and 2. Rings, necklaces, bracelets, gifts, tote bags, watches, etc., are all $5. The public is welcome. Checks, credit cards, cash and payroll deductions are accepted.

'Polar Express'...Prosperity Bank and the Fernandina Beach Parks and Recreation Department will present the next movie in the park, a free showing of "The Polar Express," on Dec. 19 at 7 p.m. in Central Park. Concessions will be available for purchase. Bring your own chairs and blankets.Call 321-2811 or 277-7350.

Hanukkah party...The Jewish Community of Amelia Island will host a Hanukkah Party on Dec. 21 at St. Peter's Episcopal Church. On that evening members will light the first Hanukkah candle. For details contact Alice Goldman at 548-1100 or e-mail ngolent@aol.com.

Hard to believe Thanksgiving is here again. It seems the years are just flying by. I just love Thanksgiving and all the trimmings. My personal traditions include watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade on TV (and dreaming I could see it in person one year), yelling like a kid when I see Santa and eating great food all day that my sister in law cooks. She is the best Southern cook anywhere!

Of course, I am always thankful for my blessings and this year I am especially grateful for the support of my husband (big thank you!), family and friends while I work this crazy market. I am also grateful for all of my customers and what I learned from them this year.

Here are a few things my customers have taught me this year:

1. Real Estate is not about you and your needs.

I knew this already and I am really good about putting myself in other people's shoes. I worked with a couple that had specific needs for their home. These were items that were a must and if the house did not have them, then they did not like it. We saw many houses that met some of their criteria - had this but not that. Great houses, but.... I learned that it was not about what I liked or wanted in a house but what they wanted. They finally found the home that met all of their needs and they are happy.

2. Real Estate is about patience.

Good thing I have a lot of that! I worked with a first time home buyer for 9 months before they finally decided on a home. We looked at many great homes that would have worked for them but there was always something wrong with them. (See real estate is not about you!). I would patiently wait for them while they spent time in each home discussing the pros and cons of each home. Each showing was at least 1 hour even if they did not like it. I learned to be patient and one day we found their perfect home. I am glad they were careful since this is their first home and glad I had the patience to stick with them.

3. Real Estate is about listening.

You must listen to what your customers are saying and not saying. No matter what I think about a home or how much to list a home, you must listen to your buyers and sellers. Their talking and lack of talking will help guide you to your next steps. I sometimes talk to much especially to buyers that are new to the area and I have to bite my tongue to stop. Sometimes you just need to listen to what they like or don't like either about a home or about sports, food, hobbies, etc.

4. Real Estate is about caring.

I learned that in order to be successful you must really care about your buyers and sellers. I am not friends with all of them but I am friends with most of my customers. It seems all people want is to know that you care about them as a person and not as a transaction. Get to know their hobbies, likes and dislikes, families, pets, etc. It will make a difference in the transaction if you care about them on a personal level and not as a business transaction.

So, this Thanksgiving season, let's all be thankful for the crazy year that is almost behind us. Throughout this up and down market, I learned that I am grateful for my business and especially for my customers and the daily lessons they teach me.

Have a wonderful turkey day with friends and family!

All the best,

Tammie Fowler

Upcoming Events in Fernandina Beach for the Fourth of July

Sounds on Centre Street - July 4th
This is a free community concert that is held in historic downtown Centre Street which is located between Second Street and Front Street from 6:00 to 8:00. The featured band this month is Face for Radio.

Fernandina Beach Fireworks - July 4th
July 4th fireworks will start between 9:30 and 10:00. Come out and enjoy the fireworks display in Fernandina Beach by the Marina.

Ritz-Carlton Beach Bash - July 4th
The Ritz-Carlton in Amelia Island is holding a Beach Bash on July 4th. This event will start at 6:00 and last until 9:00. They will have a buffet, games, entertainment and July 4th fireworks. They do require reservations and adults are $75 and children are $35. For more information or to make reservations you can call 904-277-1028.

Watson Realty Corp. (904) 382-5256 Cell

For more information about Nassau County or Real Estate for sale visit www.homesofameliaisland.com .