Georgetown’s French Market 2022: A Jam-Packed Jolie Fête
By • May 2, 2022 One Comment 1766
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.”
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.”
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.
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.
Crowds on the spring day were at capacity, but it didn’t affect the spirit. Photo by Chris Jones.
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.