Georgetown’s French Market 2022: A Jam-Packed Jolie Fête
By May 2, 2022 One Comment 1958
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Saturday’s French Market on Book Hill along Georgetown’s Wisconsin Avenue and P Street NW was jam-packed with happy visitors, many dressed fashionably and strolling along besides cheerful families and children enjoying French and international foods, browsing for sidewalk second-hand bargains at merchants’ tables and delighting in the spectacular sunny spring weather. It was all so joyously “jolie.”
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Many shoppers had their dogs in tow. Photo by Chris Jones.
“The excitement was palpable,” said Georgetown Main Street executive director Rachel Shank. “The 19th French Market was a great success. Saturday was just bursting at the seams. I would say the sidewalks were about at capacity for several hours. It seemed like we probably just couldn’t handle any more people which is a great problem to have… It was a beautiful day. The weather was cooperative. Everyone was excited to get back to this Georgetown tradition. And it seemed like everyone in the city knew about the French Market … I think the small businesses were really successful over the weekend.”
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The unicycler in costume meets a French bulldog in similar striped attire. Photo by Chris Jones.
Debbie Young, the Events Director of the Georgetown Business Improvement District, also said the French Market was quite a success. Though the BID hasn’t yet calculated metrics for the day, anecdotal evidence suggests the festival was great for businesses and the community esprit. “It’s too early for [data] but I did talk to a few merchants and got the same big sound bite from all three. They all said it was ‘one of the best French markets ever!’ So, I take that as a good sign,” Young said.
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Many browsers came fashionably dressed while looking for clothes bargains. Photo by Chris Jones.
“We’re very happy with how it went,” Young added. “It really helped create a lot of buzz for Georgetown. Plus it was timed perfectly for the launch of our new C&O Canal Boat. It was definitely a great weekend overall.” This year, several new businesses joined in the festival with more than 30 merchants participating overall.
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Crowds on the spring day were at capacity, but it didn’t affect the spirit. Photo by Chris Jones.
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Bibliophiles enjoyed the book selections at the French Market. Photo by Chris Jones.
Given the success of the French Market this year, Georgetown Main Street is looking forward to hosting a Fall Market in October.
Would love to participate in your event this spring as a vendor (I’m a former G’twon resident – 33rd & P!). Look forward to hearing from you, thank you.