The Flaugnac Christmas market, one of the largest in the Lot, returns with a new formula

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It is in a completely new form that the 27^e edition of Christmas market of Flaugnac in the Lotwill take place from December 6 to 8, 2024.

As a reminder, this whole 1^is The Lot and Midi-Pyrénées Christmas market, launched on December 15, 1996 at the instigation of two residents at the time of the commune, was a great success which has never wavered. This success is due to the fact that there was a very motivated team, the choice of locations with attention to decorations, entertainment and above all the highlighting of local producers and creators.

New formula for the oldest Christmas market in the Lot

Since its beginnings, around a team of 20 to 30 people, and under the aegis of the Culture Art and Heritage association, the market has continued, despite the proliferation of Christmas markets throughout the department. Moreover, over the weekend, the Flaugnac site receives approximately more than 1,000 people.

A brand new team, with Alain Dominici as president, is taking over the reins of this emblematic market. Monique Cataix, who worked with her team for more than 10 years, gave up her place, in February 2024, to Alain Dominici. “We, residents of Flaugnac, would have been sorry if this activity died, due to lack of resumption, in relation to the activity that this activity brings to the village. There was also a need to renew this Christmas market. This year with the finished work on the indoor bowling alley, we saw a great opportunity to offer a substantial space, approximately more than 1,000 m² for 45 exhibitors, 2/3 of whom are new to this market. We also created 4 commissions: electricity, decorations, exhibitors, logistics, where everyone is distributed according to their skills,” he confides. As soon as the project has started, the association announces that all the stands are full. She found herself regretting refusing requests.

More fluid stroll, podium…

New formula also with the desire for uniformity for all stands. For this, the association has invested in 3m by 3m booths for each exhibitor. The cost was rather substantial but the Flaugnac town hall provided financial assistance, as did the Department and Crédit Agricole. But there remained a sum to be paid by the association. On this subject, the president underlines: “for our part we made a rather original request by requesting loans from individuals up to €15,000. Thus, under cover of any legality, the association borrowed €1,000 from 15 participants. We will repay each year, in January, a quarter of the amount plus interest on the remaining capital.” This investment was carefully considered and supervised. So all that will be missing is for the magic of Christmas to do its job.

On the logistics and layout side, everything has been designed for a smooth stroll and also have large islands for the catering areas as well as the podium where there will be some activities around Santa Claus, an essential character of the market. The decoration department will be very substantial and placed under the aegis of a professional designer living in Flaugnac. “We have a lot of talent in our territory” says Alain Dominici with a big smile.

For the first once again, there are no longer two but three days announced, from December 6 to 8, for an incredible weekend with a night on Friday, December 6 at 6 p.m.

An unusual stand

As usual, among the exhibitors we will find: crafts, jewelry, producers of lavender, saffron, wines (to be enjoyed in moderation), decorations, textile creations, chocolates, leather goods, cosmetics, turned wood, flowers… And a stand rather unexpected entirely dedicated to pets.

On the program

Friday December 6: late night from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. At 6 p.m. official inauguration, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. concert with “Swing Forty Six”.

Saturday December 7: opening from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. At 4 p.m. concert by the “Chœur de Lamolayrette” choir.

Sunday December 8: opening from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. At 12 p.m. aperitif, 3 p.m. children's makeup.

Throughout the three days, catering and refreshments on site.

Marie-Françoise PLAGÈS

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