Submitted by Gerry Clare
Roving Reporter
Saturday morning was bright, sunny and hot in downtown Fernandina Beach. At the Fernandina Harbor Marina, Joe Springer was checking out the sign for National Marina Day. Local boat dealers, Ocean Outboard Marine and Redmond Boat Sales had small towable boats displayed and there were activities for youth set up, while nearby, the Saturday Petanque players carried on their normal games.
Also, Sam Terry and Lane Mashburn from Amelia Auto Mart stood by, ready to sell cars to new boat owners who need a towing vehicle. Our own US Coast Guard Auxiliary Flotilla 14-1 manned booths downtown and at the Amelia Island Yacht Basin, providing safety information and vessel exams to visitors. Cold drinks, hot dogs and chili were also available at the yacht basin, but the Galley was still not open for business as of Saturday.
Meanwhile, at Central Park the Georgia Barbecue Association was setting up their food trucks for their second competition in Fernandina for the Florida Championship. The smells of barbecue were fantastic. President, Harry Faircloth and vice president, Jimmy Nehms were busy getting everything set up for the judging which took place at the end of the day. There are 14 competitions in Georgia and Florida and the winner of this competition will win a trip to Las Vegas to compete in the World Competition.
Bubba Grills was the lucky Grand Championship winner and the invitation to Las Vegas with their rib entry. Although they also won the Reserve Grand Championship by a scoring process, it was awarded to the next in line, LawDawgs BBQ, since Bubba Grills had already won the first prize. For a complete list of winners click here.
The event was set up and coordinated through Fernandina Beach Parks and Recreation Department and the staff was helping with the set up for the day. Some Fernandina Beach High School students were assisting with trash pick-up in golf carts. There was also a large array of vendors with lots of souvenirs and fun items to buy. Following the judging there was the first Fernandina Music Fest at Buccaneer Field where over 600 people attended according to Nan Voit, Director of Parks and Recreation. She said that people of all ages were dancing and playing games to the great music, basically just having a great time.
Editor’s Note: Gerry began free lance writing for fun and is the author of a published book (available on Amazon and at Books Plus) about funny real estate experiences. Gerry is a longtime member of our local American Business Women’s Chapter, a volunteer cancer driver and church deacon who loves to read, travel and meet interesting people.
June 10, 2013 12:42 p.m.
Gerry Clare’s photo had good definition. Her photos had poor definition. I couldn’t make it to the Marina that day as I had radio watch for Flotilla 14-1. So I was disappointed I couldn’t clearly see the next best thing. Can more definition be the norm in the future? At least Gerry’s fine photo made my day.
Jerry Neal
FSO-NS 14-1
Jerry, I guess I am a writer, not a fotog. I use my phone for quick pics, but maybe I should use my higher res camera or hold down the focus button. I will work on that.