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September 11, 2010
Noon - 10:00 p.m.

Featuring family entertainment and French cuisine, the annual French Market will be held from noon to 10 p.m. on Saturday, September 11 on the grounds of St. Joan of Arc Church, 4217 Central Avenue.

The free festival, which started as a Sunday afternoon family picnic, has evolved into a major neighborhood street fair with live bands, artisan booths, children's games and an array of French food.

Featured bands this year include The Stardusters, David Ackerman, Second Wind, Mojo Gumbo, Mark Alexander and Living Proof.

Food offerings include pate, quiche, escargot, oysters, French onion soup, cheese and fruit, rotisserie chicken, tarte flambé white Alsacian pizza, beef bourguignon, crawfish etoufee and ratatouille. Roast beef sandwiches and BBQ ribs will also be available.

Dessert offerings include beignets, cheesecake, cream puffs, éclairs, Madeleines, iced cappuccino and Café du Monde. A bake sale will add to the gourmet selections.

Dozens of artisans will be setting up booths adjacent to the church grounds selling artwork, jewelry, apparel and religious items.

Raffle prizes include a $1500 cash prize, a motorized scooter, a handmade quilt by Pat Crossland, jewelry by Hofmeister Personal Jewelers, a bicycle from The Bike Line and a Colts Tailgate Party by The Pawn Shop Pub with Colts tickets donated by Sommer Awning Group.

The family festival also features children's games and children's food until 5 p.m. Mass will be at 5:30 p.m. in the historic Meridian Kessler church constructed in 1929.

For additional event information, please contact the parish office at 283-5508 or the parish website at www.sjoa.org.