The popular street market on Rue Général de Gaulle, Marigot, returns in August. (Photo Le Pélican)
MARIGOT--This coming August Association des Commerçants de Saint-Martin (ACSM) will host a Grand Braderie (Grand Street Market) in the centre of Marigot, marking a welcome and long-awaited return of the popular event on Rue General de Gaulle.
Organised and presented by Action Économique Citoyenne (AEC) the street fair will offer up to 40 spaces for traders as well as spaces in Marina Royale, just steps away from Rue Général de Gaulle. Participants rent the space but bring their own stands and equipment. The street market is open to any traders, from French or Dutch side.
On market day Rue Général de Gaulle is closed to traffic. Stall holders begin setting-up from 7:00am to open by 8:00am. The market stays open throughout the day until 7:00pm. Marina Royale is now looking better with new wooden decking on the walkways and new businesses waiting in the wings to open.
Street markets hold a special affection for many people who enjoy the relaxed ambiance to browse the many diverse stalls at one’s own pace. Typically, these markets sell clothing, footwear, arts and crafts, jewellery, trinkets, oddities and other items.
Undoubtedly one of the attractions is the bargains and promotions on offer. And not forgetting of course the food stands, refreshments and ice cream vendors. There’s even entertainment for kids with a Bouncy Castle, trampoline and other activities.
Shoppers are entertained by music and a running commentary from a well-known personality calling out the various bargains and promotions to look out for.
“This is the first grand street market since Hurricane Irma where we want to return to the successful markets we had before,” explained President of AEC, Yann Lecam. “After getting only 20 participants we realized we were not communicating enough about the event and the availability of space. That’s what we are trying to change. We want to fill Rue Général de Gaulle completely with stands.”
For Yann Lecam the association is now back up to speed with its calendar of events.
“After having re-started only 30% of our programme for 2017/2018, the Saint-Martin Merchants Association is proud to say we are now restarting at 100 per cent. That means we have more than eight different events in the year over 36 days during season,” he disclosed.
Those events are: Thursdays in Marina Port La Royale, Marina Show, two annual street markets (braderie) in April and August, Launching of Shop Sales, Christmas Markets, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day events, Valentine’s Day event and Halloween.
It’s a calendar that bodes well for attracting more tourism to Marigot and for the revival of the town in general. For persons interested in reserving a stand/space for the August Braderie, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or send a text only to (0690) 22.91.63.
