On Sunday June 5th, rain poured down on the first Marché Des Artisans Station Franklin of 2016. Twenty-three artisans had gathered to participate in the first market of the season, which runs every Sunday from June 5th to October 16th.
Organizer Anita Rosati gave the vendors the choice of whether to stay or remain. A handful of artisans stuck around under tents, but many packed up shop, not wanting their wares to get wet. High winds were also kicking up the large tent, which was disassembled to keep the area safe. “What can you do?” the market’s passionate coordinator Anita laughed at the bad timing. “I asked for an abundance; unfortunately there was an abundance of rain!”
This is the third season for the Marché Des Artisans Station Franklin, which exhibits woodwork, visual art, jewelry, handbags, knitted crafts, homemade soap, furniture, dolls, up-cycled goods, and pottery, as well as BBQ fare for hungry shoppers. Anita selects each artisan to participate in the market for his or her handmade, quality products. “It’s very important to me that this is an artisan market and not a flea market,” she says. She is zealous about bringing together the many talented artisans from the area. She also wants to encourage visitors to enjoy the beautiful rural setting, where her woodworker husband houses his permanent shop, as well as visit the wine and cider makers and orchards that surround the market.
Even in the downpour, the view from Franklin was a moody ocean of mist stretching over the fields to Montreal. Those that stayed were jovial in their ponchos, knowing that a soggy start would not deter them from a successful season. The market will be open every Sunday at 1846 Route 202 from 10am – 5pm, now through mid-October. For more information contact Anita at 514-706-1846 or find Marché Des Artisans Station Franklin on Facebook.
