A Little Bit of Paris is Coming to First Street

This Saturday, June 11, the third annual Marché Benicia outdoor market will occur at the bottom of First Street next to the Marina Green from 11 a.m.- 4 p.m. The outdoor market will feature a French theme that will be paired beautifully against the view of the Carquinez Straits.

Marché Benicia is sponsored by . The event coordinator, Deborah Meyer, started planning Marché Benicia in February to ensure its success. According to Meyer, the outdoor market originated as an idea for a French flea market but due to difficulties in recruiting vendors Marché Benicia was born. When asked about the theme choice Meyer responded, “People are always looking for things to do downtown, this is a unique theme I think is attractive to people.” The event will include activities such as arts and crafts, entertainment, and food and wine including crepes and croissants.

Entertainment for the event will be provided by French barrel organist Michel Saga and French singer Isabelle Magidson. will also provide entertainment with cancan dancing. New to Marché Benicia will be the addition of Lamorina and Marin Pétanque Clubs. Pétanque is a version of bocce ball, which is commonly seen being played in France. Meyer added, “I know bocce ball is popular among the people of Benicia, so the clubs will be there trying to bring it to Benicia.”

Visitors can practice their language skills with native French speaker Nadine Goodban, who will be located at from 3-430 pm. Nadine will be providing French language lessons.

Merchants along First Street are also gearing up for Marché Benicia. Erik Martinez, owner of , will have gourmet tasting accompanied by French music to match the theme of the market. This tasting will include French wines and pasta. His hope for the festival as well as his store is “For people to have fun in our town, and to say it’s a cool town and to come back”, he added, “We really live in a cool town.”

, located in the heart of the outdoor market, will also be contributing to the French ambiance of the day with a special 3-course French inspired menu.

Local merchant will be there to offer face painting as well as selling in-store merchandise.