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Annual Georgetown French Market Set for Late April

Food, Goods Available April 25-26 at Outdoor Event

One of the most anticipated shopping events in Georgetown will occur on April 25 and April 26. The Georgetown French Marketwill be taking over the Book Hill neighborhood once again, transforming upper Wisconsin Avenue between P Street and Reservoir Road into a French-themed outdoor market.

For the 11th consecutive year, expanded sidewalks will be filled withlocal boutiques, shops and home furnishing stores offering up to 75 percent off their goods.

“I believe the French Marketis an awesome place to display what Georgetown has to offer, especially when it comes to family owned shops like ours,” said Samantha Hays, part owner of The Phoenix.

 “We think this event is really unique because all of our merchants are actually from Georgetown,” said Nancy Miyahira, marketing director for the Georgetown Business Improvement District. “They have all been open in the area for at least five to 30 years.” 

This year local restaurant merchants, such as Paul Bakery, will be curbside preparing a variety of French cuisines as well. Market goers can enjoy savory dishes from sweet crepes and pastries to freshly grilled merguez sausages and discounted wine. Laetita Steinier, marketing director for Paul Bakery in Georgetown, thinks the restaurant merchants add the perfect touch of France to the Market. “We specialize in French pastries, which will be available to the public,” she said. “People love food.”

For the art lovers, Book Hill art galleries and antiques stores will be out showcasing their work with public art displays and special savings on art, prints and books.

Loren Refino, a Georgetown resident, looks forward to attending the French Market this time around. “My wife and I ran into the market last spring,” said Refino. “She loves to shop and I liked most of the food I tried, so we’re going to make an effort to go again this year, especially since the discounts were pretty good.”

From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on April 26, returning sponsor TD Bankwill host an entertaining lineup in the bank’s parking lot. Families are encouraged to come out and enjoy live music, street entertainers and craft activities for children. “The Georgetown community banks with us daily, so we want to show them how much we truly appreciate their business,” said Constantiene Ferssizidiz, manager of TD Bank in Georgetown.

The annual Georgetown French Market is free to the public and will be open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. In French fashion, attendees are encouraged to use public transportation. The Georgetown Business Improvement District will be offering free Circulator rides from the K Street and Wisconsin Avenue stops to the Book Hill area.